Returning to work after vacation can sometimes be a depressing experience. However, it is possible to make this return smoother by taking certain precautions. Dr Linda Meyer, principal of the Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College, says getting into the right mindset is essential to making a successful transition and maintaining mental wellbeing and performance.
One of the first steps to gradually readjusting to work is to start slowly. Instead of immediately diving into an avalanche of pending tasks, it’s best to take a manageable pace. This allows you to refocus on your goals and revive motivation without risking immediate exhaustion. Instead of wanting to do everything at once, the idea is to set realistic and achievable goals. By breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps, you make steady progress while feeling a sense of accomplishment that boosts productivity.
Prioritization and organization are also key to navigating the maze of post-vacation tasks. It is important to sort tasks by urgency and importance, and to declutter your physical and digital workspace to promote concentration. The inbox full of emails is often an example of this. You need to strategize how to deal with them effectively, prioritizing important emails, setting dedicated times to respond to them, and using organizational tools like folders and markings, to transform an insurmountable to-do list into a manageable list.
Reestablishing routines is also crucial after the holidays. Vacations often disrupt our daily routines, so it’s important to reestablish them. This means realigning sleep schedules, meals, and exercise sessions according to pre-vacation schedules. The comfort of routine can be a necessary anchor amid the demands of returning to work.
Reconnecting with colleagues is another important aspect of the transition. Sharing vacation experiences and updating each other on important events that happened while you were away can rekindle a sense of team belonging and build cohesion within the office.
Finally, having something to look forward to or aim for is essential to maintaining motivation throughout the year. Returning to the daily routine can be demoralizing, so it’s important to plan for fun times ahead, whether that’s future vacations, training or skills development opportunities, or new hobbies. Having something new to look forward to or work towards provides a breath of fresh air and helps maintain a positive attitude.
It is important to keep in mind that seeking support and feedback is not a sign of weakness, but of professionalism. Collaborating with colleagues and superiors for advice or assistance can provide new perspectives and solutions, making the transition easier.
By adopting these different strategies, it is possible to facilitate the transition after vacation and improve productivity and job satisfaction, thus contributing to a more dynamic and harmonious work environment.
Let’s not forget to take regular breaks, because they are not a luxury but a necessity to rest your mind, avoid exhaustion and promote productivity throughout the day.