The holidays are almost over, and for many of us, the return to work after a summer break can feel… daunting. Your inbox is overflowing, the calendar is full, and your relaxed, slow-paced holiday vibe seems like a distant memory. Yet, jumping straight back into high-speed work mode isn’t always the best approach. In fact, easing back in can make the transition smoother, help maintain your wellbeing, and even boost your productivity.
Here’s how to move from holiday mode to work mode without losing your mind—or your post-holiday glow.
1. Start with a Gentle Mindset Shift
Before you tackle the first email or zoom meeting, take a moment to adjust your mindset. Think of returning to work as a continuation of your holiday, not a jarring stop. Remind yourself of the things you enjoyed over the break—whether it was extra sleep, quiet mornings, or time with family—and consider how you can weave little pockets of joy into your workdays.
2. Prioritise, Don’t Panic
Opening your inbox can feel like opening Pandora’s box. Instead of reacting to everything at once, take a deep breath and prioritise. Ask yourself: what absolutely needs attention today, this week, and later? Creating a simple, realistic plan can transform overwhelm into focus. A trick many people swear by is the “three most important tasks” approach—identify the top three things that must get done and let the rest wait.
3. Ease into Your Routine
Your holiday rhythm likely involved late nights, leisurely breakfasts, and spontaneous afternoons. Instead of trying to flip immediately into your full work routine, give yourself a few days to ease back in. If possible, stagger your workload, break up tasks into smaller chunks, and remember to take breaks. Even short walks, stretching, or a few minutes of mindful breathing can help your brain transition smoothly from relaxation mode to focus mode.
4. Reconnect with Your Team Gradually
Jumping into back-to-back meetings on day one can be draining. Consider reconnecting with colleagues in a more measured way: send a friendly catch-up message, join smaller check-ins first, or start with collaborative tasks rather than high-stakes projects. It gives you a chance to recalibrate socially and professionally, easing tension and avoiding burnout before the year really gets going.
5. Protect Your Energy
It’s tempting to pack January with long to-do lists, extra meetings, and ambitious goals. Resist the urge. Focus on maintaining energy levels rather than racing through tasks. Good sleep, balanced meals, and staying hydrated are deceptively simple ways to keep your resilience high. Even small indulgences—like a mid-morning coffee or a five-minute break outdoors—can make a noticeable difference.
6. Carry Holiday Joy Forward
While the office might feel rigid compared to holiday life, you don’t need to leave everything behind. Consider what aspects of your break lifted your spirits. Could you add a short morning ritual, a weekly catch-up with friends, or some regular downtime in your calendar? Carrying forward small, enjoyable routines helps keep stress at bay and makes the return to work more sustainable.
7. Give Yourself Grace
Finally, be kind to yourself. The first week back is rarely perfect. Deadlines might slip, emails might pile up, and your usual efficiency may feel a little off. That’s normal. Treat this period as a gentle re-entry rather than a performance test. Recognising that adjustment takes time can reduce pressure and actually speed up your return to full productivity.
Returning to work after the holidays doesn’t need to be a shock to the system. By easing in thoughtfully, prioritising, and protecting your energy, you can maintain the calm and satisfaction of your break while setting yourself up for a strong start to the year.