From Dr. Jane's Notebook

Summer Workaholics I

Summer is upon us. I know this is a frightening realization. The seasons are once again changing and this calls for a "shifting of gears". No way to get around it. Friends will be calling to invite you to outdoor activities. You will feel the heat of the day. And all around you, trusted co-workers will be discussing "summer fun." You will have to face the music.

For those who feel like a hunk of iron and steel drenched with the never-ending tension of work and worry, I recommend the following "summer transition procedure." It's a tough job...but as they say, someone has to do it.

You will have to get back into your body. It is essential to loosen up the muscles and once again, feel. This may call for a not-too-rigorous exercise program and a slight amount of sweat. But as the muscles begin to unwind, and you dare to breathe the summer air, you will be reminded of life in its previous form.
Remember: When you think you don't need a vacation, that's when you need it most. I didn't say this would be easy. It will take some planning and preparation to pull yourself away from the daily stresses and strains, but some separation is necessary. Work will be there when you return.
Learn a new skill this summer. Expand your abilities with some sort of lessons. Enroll in an enrichment activity that will make you feel young and enthusiastic again. Try tennis, golf, guitar, etc.
Project into your future. If you are one of those who finally and only then reluctantly, hunts for your bathing suit mid-August, imagine that it is mid-August and BE THERE NOW! There's nothing like casting your mind into the future, to facilitate transitions.

Summers needn't be filled with dread. Plan for some new form of fun or re-enact some favorite fun from the past. And if it helps, just consider it "a new project."

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Last Updated November 1, 1998 by Gary M. Grandon, Ph.D.