I’m pretty sure we all have vacation hangovers from the chocolate and pie fueled holidays. And the past few weeks would have started off slowly and uneventfully. Everyone has pretty much been answering emails from that one person who kept sending updates during the holidays. (And if you are that person, you probably started the year getting replies from all the emails you sent out over the holidays.)
We’re already halfway through January, so there is no excuse anymore for anyone to NOT get their heads into work. By now things should have “normalized” around the office, and everyone who has gone on extended break should be back from vacation.
January is challenging in some way because new years signify new beginnings. By this time, we’re probably starting new projects, beginning new tasks, starting in new roles, assuming new responsibilities. All of these things would seem overwhelming especially when you’ve just come from a long break. So, here are a few tips to get your mindset back in the work game.
- Remember your password/s
If you snickered a little bit, I’m glad. But this is a real thing for most of the workforce. Coming from a break, our minds are also in vacation mode and tend to shut out anything that has something to do with work. So I wouldn’t be surprised if, on your first day back at work, you’ve forgotten what your login password is.
- Start earlier at work
I know this is hard when the last thing you want is for your vacation to end and work to begin. But people will learn pretty quickly that you are back from break, and those requests won’t wait for you to slowly ease into your first day back. They will quickly pile up. But giving yourself a head start on task while the office is practically empty would give you some time of peace and quiet to get yourself organized before more work piles up on your desk.
- Do not schedule out of office meetings
I would recommend not scheduling meetings at all, in-office or out-of-office. I understand that in-office meetings cannot be avoided but if you can, do not schedule out-of-office meetings. They will add to the stress of an already overwhelming day filled with unanswered emails and piled paperwork. So make sure to schedule them over the next few days after your first day back at work.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself
Do not work yourself into a stupor on your first day back from vacation. This will burn you out. You can very easily lose your drive if you plan to work a double shift on your first day back from break. Take it easy during the first few days and ease yourself gently into work. You can catch your stride on your third or fourth day back.
- Have something to look forward to
Schedule a fun activity early in the evening, right after your first day back from work. Spend this time doing something you enjoy: getting a good dinner, going for a quick catch up with a friend over coffee, shopping or retail therapy, scouring the hardware, getting a new hairstyle, or going on a spa date.
The first day back from a long break is the hardest, but you will eventually get back into it. You can always refer to this list whenever you’re back from a long vacation, not just an extended Christmas break. Got any tips for those who have just gotten back from break? Let us know! Remember to stay humble and hustle hard.
Written by Jaie O.- The Help