After taking time off for the holidays or a vacation, there can be an adjustment period as you settle back in. You may find yourself more distracted, easily pulled off task, or overwhelmed. While the holidays or any period of time off work can be a wonderful break and opportunity to reset, it can take a minute to get back into the swing of things. In today’s blog, we’ll offer some strategies and solutions for easing back into work.
Set Realistic Goals
Sometimes the idea of getting back to work, after taking a break, can feel daunting. Instead of letting that feeling overwhelm you, focus on getting organized, prioritize urgent matters, and focus on what tasks are essential. In an article on Forbes, they write, “Mentally prepare for your return to work by gradually reintroducing yourself to your routines before you actually return. Begin by adjusting your sleep schedule, planning your meals or setting up your workspace to transition into the right mindset. Establish clear and attainable goals for your first weeks back at work. These might include finishing a specific project, developing a certain skill or fostering better team collaboration. Setting these objectives provides you with a clear focus and sense of purpose.”
Embrace the New Year Energy
January can be looked at as the opportunity for a fresh start, both personally and professionally. Think about your work and career intentions for the coming year and what you hope to accomplish. Instead of letting yourself get into a “post-holiday slump” use the energy of the new year to motivate and excite you. It can also be helpful to reflect and think about what worked well for you last year and what areas of your life and job could use some improvements.
Focus on Balance and Mindfulness
During the holidays, you may have had a little more flexibility, so instead of jumping right in with an overly rigid schedule, try to strike a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. Having some structure and routines in place will hold you accountable, but also think about what feels manageable so you can sustain your energy throughout the year. Mindfulness is another strategy you can use to stay more in the present moment and prevent burnout. In an article on LinkedIn, they write, “Coming back to work can be overwhelming. You may think that you don’t have the time to be fully present; with so many things to do, how can you just do one thing at a time? Well, because that’s all a human being is capable of doing: one thing at a time. When we are aware of the present moment, what’s happening, and who we are being right now, we are using the skill of mindfulness.
Being mindful at work requires us to be totally focused on who we are with and what task we are performing at each and every moment. If we are on a phone call, we are on that phone call and nothing else. No checking e-mail or writing a report. We are totally present with and listening to the person on the other end. If we are in a meeting, we are in that meeting and nowhere else. We are totally present to the people in that meeting, what they are saying, and the agenda at hand.”