Finding work unexpectedly challenging

[Riverseawoods]

After a recent ASC diagnosis I returned to work today after the school holidays (I'm in education), only to find it unexpectedly challenging. The work itself was not hard at all, just a series of meetings with people I know well, and on an interesting topic. But nevertheless, it was hard and I ended up having to take some time to myself to calm down and reset.
Any ideas why? To me, this reaction came out of nowhere!

I struggle with the transition from summer holiday to the new academic year.
I have to take time to work out my thoughts/feelings and sometimes get overwhelmed/panicky.
Unfortunately it has got worse as I’ve got older (I work in education).

I work in education too! I think the transition from holidays (when I was with my 2 kids, sometimes a small group) to meetings with a large group of people was hard. It felt like I had to change who I am, to put on that 'mask' and that role. As the inset before the kids come in progressed, it felt easier. Do you find the same?
Hopefully on Monday, when I meet my new class, it will all feel normal again!