August in Spain is coming to an end, and with it, the summer holiday season is drawing to a close. For millions of residents, this means a return to work routines and studies. The period of rest, which allowed people to step away from their daily grind, is replaced by the need to readjust to their regular schedules. Psychologists note that this transition is often accompanied by what’s known as post-holiday syndrome, when it becomes difficult to concentrate and get back into the work rhythm. To make this process as smooth as possible, experts recommend focusing on both physical and mental preparation.
Renowned Spanish cognitive training specialist Catalina Hoffmann offers the concept of neurofitness as an effective tool for a smooth adaptation. She explains that after a long break, the brain, like muscles, needs a warm-up. In her words, it is important to ‘recharge your neural batteries’ in time. A rested brain does not always mean a brain ready for intense activity. Regular but simple exercises help restore neural connections that are responsible for attention and speed of reaction, and prepare the brain to take on the complex tasks of the new work season.
Hoffmann emphasizes the importance of preparing children mentally before they return to school. The expert advises parents not to wait until September 1st, but to start working with their children in advance. This is not about school subjects, but about developmental games that stimulate logical thinking and creativity. Gradually establishing a routine, reducing screen time, and replacing it with reading or solving puzzles can help the child adjust more smoothly to the learning process and avoid stress in the first weeks of school.
As a practical tool, Catalina Hoffmann regularly suggests new tasks for brain training. One such exercise is aimed at developing the ability to concentrate. Its goal is to make the brain work in an unusual way by solving a task that takes it out of automation and its ‘comfort zone.’ Such a mental challenge stimulates the creation of new neural pathways and enhances cognitive flexibility. The expert claims that even a few minutes of these activities per day can significantly improve focus.
Thus, the key idea promoted by the expert is a gradual and mindful transition from rest to work. Instead of jumping straight into tasks on the first day, it’s advisable to use the remaining days of August for a smooth ‘calibration’ of your mind. This approach will not only boost productivity at the start of the new season but also help maintain a positive attitude and prevent emotional burnout in the long run.
