How to Go back to work after a festival

How to Go back to work after a festival by Michael Cheary So summer is finally upon us (no, really).With it comes the promise of longer days, easier mornings and the all-important summer break. And if your idea of the perfect summer break involves standing in a field with 20,000 other people, then youre in luck: the UK festival season is here.So whether its your first foray into festival life, or youre a seasoned veteran, here are a few of our top tips on how to return to work after the big weekend:Go hard and go homeOk, lets get this straight. Were not telling you not to have a good time. Nor are we telling you to hold back on your festival festivities. You worked hard for weeks in anticipation of the event, and you deserve to let yourself enjoy the moment.However, there are certain provisions you can make which might make the Monday (more likely, Tuesday) morning rush slightly more bearable. Before you go, check out the host of apps out there to help you deal with festival fall out: everything from preventing the post-festival flu by keeping an eye on the weather, to helping making sure you drink enough water throughout the weekend.Our top tip: Arrive early on the Thursday or Friday and make the most of your time early. That way you wont feel too guilty leaving on Sunday night with a clear head.Man (and/or woman) upUnless you work with a particularly reclusive bunch, or youre enormously unexcitable, everyone in the office already knows youre going to a festival. In laymans terms, this means that phoning in sick is not an option.Remember, the morning after you return is going to be a struggle, but you can get through it. Try and get a decent amount of sleep the night before (in a bed that cant double up as an emergency flotation device), have a filling breakfast and listen to your favourite band on the commute. Just as long as you can do so without shedding a tear.Our top tip: Message your camping companions on the way to work, and gain strength from your solidarity. Youre in this together, right until the endCareless talk costs livelihoodsWhatever happens at Glastonbury (Wireless/Reading/Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival) stays at Glastonbury (etc.). In other words, as soon as you get into work, you should maintain an air of perfect professionalism, no matter how demotivated and dishevelled you feel.Undoubtedly this will apply to some professions more than others. But for any customer service role especially, save all specifics for the staffroom. Because your customers (and senior colleagues) probably dont want to hear a step-by-step reconstruction of the time your friend almost went backstage.So make the most of your weekend while youre there.Our top tip: This rule should also apply to social media (especially if youre friends with your boss). Because incriminating status updates and pictures are not worth losing your job over.Distract yourselfAlthough its not advisable to have a day full of meetings scheduled, the best way to take your mind off of the post-festiv al blues is to try and avoid thinking too much about them. Instead, come in, keep a low profile, and attempt to jump back into work.If you just sit there all day staring out of the window and looking through your iPhone photo collection, youre just asking for trouble.Our top tip: Try and do some exercise before/during/after your day. The endorphins released will help with your energy levels, as well as making you feel better about your excessive consumption of overpriced fast-food and fancy fruit flavoured festival cider.Take an extra day offBy far the most practical tip we can give. Take advantage of your bed, your bathroom, and any other facilities you may have been missing for the last few days.And if you want to spend it wallowing in your room waving a lighter in the air listening to your playlist on repeat, who are we to judge?Our top tip: Eat (something healthy). Sleep. Repeat.Honourable mentions: Wear shades (where permitted), re-adjust your volume levels (no yelling), re-adj ust your wardrobe (because wellies are not suitable work attire unless you work on a farm), bathe.Have any tips of your own? Let us know below, or tell us on twitter @reedcoukFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Employment Law