Going back to work in January can be gruelling. You’ve had a nice break of fun and relaxation, but now it’s time to get back to work. With the added stress of being away from home for a long period, starting work again can be a difficult experience.
It’s not easy to get back into the swing of things and make the transition from vacation mode to working mode. To ease you back into your job, we want to help you through all the different aspects of returning to work, such as adjusting to the new schedule, getting yourself ready for your first day and how to survive your first week back.
Are you ready? Good. Here are some tips that will help ease you back into the working world:
Table of Contents
1. Get back into the swing of things
The first week is going to be rough. Your brain, body and soul will all be screaming for you to curl up in a ball and cry. The trick is to stay positive by convincing yourself that this week will get better. Tell yourself that you can handle it, and then muster up the strength to act on it. If you are feeling overwhelmed, try to tackle one thing at a time. You don’t have to do everything at once.
2. Learn to adjust to the new schedule
If you are not used to getting up early or staying up late (or vice versa), it is going to take some time to get used to it. It may help to set an alarm or create a routine that helps you adjust. Do what works best for you, but remember this will eventually become your new normal and force yourself out of bed if you can’t manage otherwise.
3. Get ready for your first day
Plan for that first day back at work by making sure you have everything prepared in advance. Arrange rides home from work and school with friends or family members if needed, as well as lunch plans. Keeping your mind occupied will help relieve stress about returning to the work environment.
4. How to survive your first week back
Be realistic about what can be accomplished. When you come back from a break, there are undoubtedly lots of items on your to-do list that need immediate attention. To make sure you don’t get overwhelmed and bogged down in work that can wait, prioritize what really needs your immediate attention and address those issues first.
Don’t waste time tackling small things that don’t require your concentration or expertise. Set up some reminders and to-do lists to keep track of all the work that needs to be done.
This will allow you to stay on top of what needs doing next so you can stay focused on the tasks at hand. Start small and build up steam as you go along.
Ultimately,
You can survive the first week back at work after a holiday break. You just have to remember to take it slow, keep your expectations realistic and don’t let the “back to work blues” get you.
