The holiday is finally over, and we’re back to the rhythm of ‘please find attached.’
For many of us, making this switch might not be the easiest thing ever, and we’ll need more than five alarms set to get us up from bed before 8 am. Now, this is nothing to feel ashamed or worried over; what you’re simply experiencing is post-vacation syndrome.
Also known as ‘post-holiday blues’, post-vacation syndrome is often felt after a long period of celebration and relaxation. For some people returning to their pre-holidays routine, catching up on tasks, backlogged work, unread emails, the fast pace of deadlines can be a struggle. If you struggle with insomnia, low energy, lack of concentration and even frustration, it might be a sign of post-holiday blues.
With holiday vacations coming to a close, it’s now time to return to work, so how do you deal with post-vacation syndrome? Here’s an all you need to know guide to help you get back to work after the holiday.
- Understand the holidays are over
In this case, acceptance is not defeat; instead, it marks the first step to progress. To get over the holiday blues, start by accepting that the holidays are over and it’s time to start working again. Start to ease slowly into your routine and as much as you can avoid procrastinating.
Procrastinating will only delay your return to work mode and thus causing more stress and anxiety in the long run.
- Clear your meetings
Last thing you need to resume with is a morning full of meetings when you’re just getting back to work. You don’t Instead move meetings at least two days after resumption; that way; you can gradually ease into the workflow.
- Make a to-do list
Another helpful tip to get back to work after the holidays is to make a to-do list every day. Take the first hour of your day to itemize all you have to do in order of priority, be sure also to clear them in the same order.
Keep your list where you can see it all day long; it’ll be a helpful reminder to stay focused. Remember to be strict with yourself; it might not be fun, but it’s necessary.
- Categorize emails
Unpopular opinion but not every email sent during the holiday needs an immediate reply. There’s no prize for clearing out your inbox first, so before you go on an ‘I trust this email finds you well’ spree, sort out your emails in order of priority. You can also schedule replying emails for the whole week; it won’t hurt to take things slow.
One final important detail is to not overdo it. As tempting as it might be to get started quickly and try to finish it all at once, but contrary to popular opinion working extra hard the first few days after resumption isn’t healthy. Instead, pace yourself and take things slow; it’ll help build a renewed vigour in you.
