New year, new opportunities: Navigating the post-vacation blues

It’s that time of year when many people will be returning to work after enjoying time off over summer.

For some, the prospect of returning to work may lead to feelings of dread. This phenomenon is known as “post-vacation blues”. It refers to feelings of anxiety and reluctance as you transition from the joy and relaxation of the holidays to the demands of professional life. For many, the thought of tackling a backlog of tasks and returning to structured routines can feel overwhelming.

It can be hard to remain motivated during the early period of returning to work as as you struggle to reconcile your recent experiences of freedom and leisure with the pressures of your job. This can leave you feeling heightened stress and a sense of loss.

So, what are some tips to manage the transition back to work after the holidays?

How to manage the transition back to work

• Ease in gradually: Don’t berate yourself if you aren’t immediately at full capacity. Give yourself permission to ease back into work gradually. Recognise that other employees across the world will share your present feelings at some point.
• Create positive anticipation: Don’t focus on the challenges that are ahead of you. Instead create positive anticipation for the year ahead. Are there any career goals you would like to achieve?
• Embrace a growth mindset: Adopting a growth mindset at work allows you to view your workplace as a place where you can achieve, contribute and grow rather than a source of work-related stress.
• Start preparing before you return: Gradually reintroduce yourself to your work routines before you return to work. For example, go to bed earlier at night and wake up earlier in the morning.
• Establish clear workplace goals: Have clear goals of what you would like to achieve in your first few weeks back at work. For example, is there a specific project you would like to finish? Are there certain skills you would like to develop?
• Reduce procrastination: Map out how you’ll spend your time during the first few weeks back and what you would like to achieve in this period. This reduces the risk of procrastination
• Practice mindfulness at work: A calm and focused mind can help you manage the transition back to work. Staying present and prioritising mindfulness can help you reduce stress.
• Practice gratitude: Take time to consider what you are grateful for in your work life. This could be your colleagues, the opportunities your work provides you or the impacts your work creates.
• Maintain resilience at work: As you return to work, you will encounter setbacks. Remind yourself that these are natural parts of working life, that you have overcome challenges before, and that you will do so again
• Reconnect with colleagues: As you return to work, think about how you can strengthen your existing professional relationships and build new ones. Developing social connections at work can increase feelings of belonging in the workplace and provide you with something to look forward to. It can also increase your motivation at work, helping you to overcome challenges at work.
• Maintain a clean workspace: Research shows a tidy work environment boosts motivation and energy levels.

Always remember you have managed the transition back to work before and will do so again. It’s only natural to miss the freedom and relaxation a summer holiday provides.

If returning to work after the holidays is causing you dread, maybe it’s time to consider a new career. If you are looking for a new career, Public Service Resumes can help. We are pleased to offer various services, including our public sector resume and selection criteria writing service.