There Should be Sympathy Cards for Having to Return to Work!

Returning to work after the Christmas / New Year Holiday break?  You may need more than an industrial strength coffee!

After several weeks of lolling around in PJs until lunchtime, downing coffees (or wines / beers) in cafes / pubs, eating bad food at all kinds of hours and being free to go for swims with family or friends on a whim, suddenly, it’s time to go back to work!

The glow of holiday-mode is over and now the routine of work is looming like a dark cloud.  The good news is that heading back to work after the holidays is not all bad.  In fact, it could be good for you.  To help beat the post-holiday blues, the following are some hot tips to get excited about returning:

1.  Work is good for you

Your credit card will appreciate some kind of donation post-holiday spending and research shows that work is good for longevity because it gives you purpose and keeps you healthier.  So, think about your wellbeing and embrace that drive to the workplace!  Consider the parts of the job you love and the bits you’d like to change, then when back from holiday, act on them.

2. Re-energised

Sleep has been caught up on, vitamin D has been topped up, and time spent with friends or family without pressure feels refreshing.  The first week back at work after the holidays is the best time to tackle all tasks that have been put off pre-Christmas.  Respond to all the emails that have been sitting flagged in the inbox for months, blitz that shredding or stock build-up, de-clutter a desk, workplace, truck, or workshop - it creates relief and frees up space in the workplace and the mind, and it will feel amazing!

3. Adrenaline feels good

Working under pressure can give a natural high.  In stressful situations (e.g., meeting deadlines, achieving deliveries on time, or presenting to a group of people) – the brain releases chemicals that prepare the body to cope effectively.  The heart rate rises, bringing more oxygen to the lungs, in turn releasing a surge of energy and helping to make instant decisions.  It’s unlikely there’ll be the same rush just lolling in front of the TV, and a tight deadline is cheaper than signing up for jumping out of a plane!

4.  Eat well and get organised

The night before the first week back, eat a healthy dinner and get everything ready including work snacks, a decent breakfast and milk for coffee (if you drink it).  Go to bed at a reasonable time and set an alarm so there’s no panic with an unplanned sleep in.

5.  Make time for yourself

Be kind to yourself in the first week back, ensure lunch breaks are taken and leave work at a reasonable time so precious personal/family time is enjoyed outside of work.

6.  Book a planning/catchup meeting with yourself

Block out time to tackle the inbox / calendar / diary, read through and sort emails / correspondence.  Delete or file information and prioritise activities.

7.  Prioritise and set goals

Decide on several goals to achieve before the week / month is out.  Make a list to manage priorities for the days / weeks ahead.

8.  Get Straight into it

Don’t procrastinate or delay – the best way to get back into the swing of work is to throw yourself in the deep end. Consider what the toughest / hardest conversation or task there is to be done that day and make it the first to tackle rather than putting it off to the end of the day or pushing it out to a few days later. 

9.  Music Bangers

Turn up those beats!  An effective way to fight sluggishness at work is to find a good playlist, wind up the bangers that get the toe tapping and blood pumping!  Keep the noise down (or wear ear plugs) so there’s no distraction to colleagues or the workplace in general.  Listen to music that doesn’t invoke falling asleep at your desk / wheel / workplace but helps concentration enough to deliver on the work.

10.  Reward Yourself

While it’s still light after work, keep that holiday vibe going – go for a walk on the beach, BBQ some sausages with the family, have an ice cream for dessert or go for a swim.

The holidays may be over, but every day at work brings us closer to the next holiday and that’s just around the corner.  Anticipation for the next break / holiday away is part of the joy of going away, so jump online to destination options and get planning!

Get the work clothes washed, prep your lunch the night before, anticipate that industrial strength cup of coffee to start the workday and be reminded that the daily grind isn't so bad for your wellbeing after all.