Holiday's Over - Now What?

Easing Back Into Work After a Holiday: Finding Your Rhythm Again

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home from a holiday—sun-kissed skin, a looser schedule still lingering in your mind, and the slight panic of remembering your work inbox exists. Transitioning back into work mode can feel jarring, even if you love what you do.

Instead of trying to snap back into full productivity on day one, treat the return as a process—not a switch.

Give Yourself a Soft Landing

Don’t expect yourself to be a productivity machine the moment you're back. The first day or two can feel foggy, and that’s completely normal. If possible, start with light admin or lower-priority tasks to get the wheels turning. Think of it like warming up before a workout—you’re not lazy, you’re building momentum.

Rebuild Your Routine

Holidays often disrupt our rhythms, which is a good thing. But when you're back, re-establishing a routine can make all the difference. Start with small wins—getting up at your usual time, having a proper breakfast, and setting clear work hours.

Reintroduce helpful habits like:

• Morning planning time

• A 10-minute midday walk

• Logging off at a consistent hour

  
  

You don’t need to recreate your pre-holiday routine overnight—but even one or two anchor points can make the day feel less chaotic.

Tidy Up Your Workspace

Coming back to clutter is like landing in turbulence. A clean space can offer mental clarity, so take a few minutes to clear your desk or desktop. Archive old files, close out abandoned tabs, and reset your surroundings. It’s a small act with a big impact.

Start with Structure, Not Pressure

Instead of trying to catch up on everything at once, make a short, achievable to-do list. Prioritise 2–3 tasks that truly matter. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you try to do it all—so don’t.

Chunk your day into focus sessions with short breaks, and avoid diving straight into meetings if you can help it. You don’t need to sprint. You just need to move forward.

Reflect on What the Break Gave You

If your holiday gave you perspective, rest, or even just a change of scenery—bring that mindset with you. Whether it’s more patience, less urgency, or a reminder of what matters outside work, let the holiday enhance your work-life balance instead of disappearing from memory.

Give Yourself a Buffer

The first week back doesn’t have to be your most productive of the year. Avoid scheduling back-to-back meetings or late-night work sessions if possible. Build in time to catch up, not just produce. A slower, steadier re-entry will help you last longer—and feel better.

Final Thoughts

Getting back into work after a holiday doesn’t have to feel like hitting a wall. Ease in. Rebuild your rhythm. Focus on progress, not perfection. It’s okay if your brain is still on a beach somewhere—you’ll be back in the groove soon enough.