Tips to Help You Avoid the Post-Holiday Slump at Work


Almost everyone looks forward to the holidays. They can enjoy time with family and friends and get a few days off work. However, when it is time to return, you may find you are craving that mid-morning nap you became accustomed to during your break – and then maybe another after lunch.

Getting back into the groove of things after you are off for the holidays can result in a serious slump. While this is true, there are some things you can do to help prevent feeling this way. From making a smart plan to adding the right supplements to your routing (read Total Restore reviewsOpens in a new tab. to see what it offers), keep reading to learn what you can do to avoid this slump.

Finish Your Highest Priority To-Dos

Before you leave the office for the holidays, instead of reaching the halfway point in several projects, finish everything with a high priority. For any projects that you cannot finish, be sure to create an overview of what you have done, what plan you have to finish them up, and how long finishing the project will take. This will help you get back into your work when you return, refresh your memory about what you have done and what is left to do.

If you are concerned about time management, be sure to speak to your boss about what you can accomplish – realistically – and what you will have to wait to do. This will allow you to reprioritize the tasks together and ensure you are on the same page.

Remain Hydrated

It is estimated that up to 75% of people in America are considered “chronically” dehydrated. What is even worse about this is that dehydration can cause extreme cases of headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and several other symptoms that most people want to avoid when they have to return to work after the holidays.

While it may be tempting to go for the coffee pot before and during your workday, try to add water to your routine, too. This will make a massive difference in how you feel and how much you can get done during the day.

Stay Active

While you may want to sit down at your desk and not move until everything is done, this is not a good strategy for beating a post-holiday slump or for your health and well-being. Exercise is one of the best ways to feel better – regardless of how much you have to do.

This does not mean that you have to run and get overly active. Just take a short walk on your lunch break or go to a fun workout class after you get off. By doing this, you can get and keep your body moving, which will help you face the day and overcome an array of challenges.

Have a Clear Calendar for Your Frist Day Back at Work

The first day that you come back to work after your holiday break can be somewhat overwhelming. You have to overcome all types of hurdles, including countless emails to read and answer, projects to get going again, and coworkers to talk with. If possible, try to keep your first-day calendar as straightforward as possible. This will give you ample time to get caught back up and get back into “work mode.”

Be sure you have set expectations after this period of “catch-up” time, though. This is a strategy that will be helpful, give you breathing room, and help ensure you get going again on your second day back to work after the holidays.

Break Down Your Bigger Projects into Smaller Tasks

There is a good chance that the projects you have waiting for you after the holidays will have a higher priority level. It would likely help create an actionable list of tasks to begin checking off when you return to work. This will help you ease back into your work tasks and help you get things done efficientlyOpens in a new tab..

The day (or so) before you plan to return to work, be sure to look at the to-do list that you created before you went on vacation. Now is the time to turn this list into smaller, actionable tasks. Try not to put more than ten things on your list, as anything more will feel overwhelming. This is a smart exercise, especially if you have a long commute to work. Just make sure you aren’t trying to plan if you are the one behind the wheel.

Use a Time Management Strategy That Makes Sense for You

Are you one of those people who seems to lose track of time? Do you arrive at work, and before you know it, it is 4 PM, and you still have a long list of things to do? Is it hard to remain focused? If so, now you need to find a time management process that will work for you.

Find a goal setting or time management program that is going to go well with your planned workflow. By doing this, you will be able to be more productive and get more done in the new year.

Clear Off Your Desk before Leaving for the Holidays

Do you know what the most significant gift you can give yourself is this holiday? Having a clean and organized desk is an invaluable gift. A clear deskOpens in a new tab. will help you have a clear mind when you come back, which can also improve your productivity. However, there are other benefits offered by having a clear desk, too.

For example, when you clean up your desk, you may find checklists and documents that require your attention. Take some time to clear away all the clutter before you leave for the holidays. This is also a way to clear your mind from any work worries. By following this tip, you can tackle virtually anything that may come your way when you get back to work after the holidays.

Take Time to Get Ahead

It does not matter what your work life or situation may be – regardless of if you love your job or can’t stand having to get up every morning – staying on top of your to-do list is a must. An excellent way to make sure you are prepared for anything is by having an up-to-date resume available if you find a job that seems like a better fit. It would help if you never tried to update your resume on a whim or send something incomplete. You can even find help with your resume and ensure it is polished and ready to send.

Getting Back to Work After the Holidays

When it comes to going back to work after the holiday break, there are a few things that you can do. Keeping the tips and information here in mind when returning to work will help ensure that you are productive without being too overwhelmed. You can also add your own needs and preferences to this list to ensure that you are getting things done and remaining happy and productive, even after enjoying time off for the holidays. Being informed is the best way to handle getting back to work effectively and ensuring that you remain productive without feeling sad or blue, which is common after the holidays.

Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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