How to ease back to work after Christmas

Discover practical tips to get back to your work routine while maintaining your mental well-being. You can implement these strategies into your daily routine gradually and with ease.

Stay positive

A 2024 survey by MyBioSource found that only 13% of American employees feel excited to return to work after vacations, while 42% dread it.

This suggests that the majority of professionals, regardless of their field, experience challenges in resuming work post-holidays.

Although many people feel reluctant to return to work, associating it with a tedious routine, stress, and boredom, you can stand out by adopting a positive mindset. Instead of complaining or feeling sorry for yourself, try introducing new, uplifting thoughts to foster gratitude for having a job. Additionally, most jobs offer comfortable working conditions and are relatively safe, so it is worth remembering this fact as you head to work each day.

What uplifting thoughts can help you stay motivated at work?

1. Improvement of finances. Salary, prospective bonuses, and rewards are powerful motivators for most employees. Returning to work offers opportunities to plan and manage your finances wisely, ensuring you maximize satisfaction and security from your earnings.

2. Growth of self-esteem. Remind yourself that you are a valuable asset to your company if you continue to hold your position. Your knowledge and expertise are certainly appreciated by your employer. Each day at work is a chance to learn, grow, and develop skills that can lead to exciting new opportunities.

3. Collaboration and communication. Returning to work provides the chance to reconnect with colleagues, strengthen social connections, exchange ideas, and contribute to a shared mission. Building relationships and fostering teamwork can lead to a more fulfilling and productive work environment.

4. Impactful contributions. Remember that your work makes a difference and changes the world for the better. You are someone who brings value to society through your contributions.

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Start gradually

Gradually returning to work after the holidays is essential to avoid stress and burnout, as it helps your mind and body adjust to your regular routine. Organizing tasks, easing into responsibilities, and maintaining balance can help you feel more motivated and productive.

Use these helpful tips to settle back into the daily grind: 

1. Ease into working routine. Gradually change your sleeping time, meals, and work schedules to match your usual routine before diving into full productivity. For example, start going to sleep one hour earlier if you used to be a night owl during the holidays.

2. Prioritize. Dedicate the first working week only to high-priority tasks and get down to the least urgent later. When high-priority tasks are accomplished, focus on other small, achievable tasks.

3. Incorporate breaks. Plan short breaks during your workday to recharge, have a snack, or share holiday experiences with colleagues.

Incorporate new habits to boost productivity

5 useful habits for productivity:

1. Eat balanced food, drink plenty of water. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Hydrate like a fish — keep a glass of water or a bottle and drink water during the whole working day. It is advisable to avoid sugar consumption in the morning to avoid drowsiness.

Example of a right breakfast for health and productivity — eggs with whole grain toast and avocado. It is rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you going through your day.

Example of a bad breakfast — sugary cereals. The sharp rise in blood sugar levels is harmful both for health and productivity.

2. Mind your minutes. Plan your day wisely in the morning and stick to the plan. Apply the famous rule “to eat a frog” — a popular productivity principle that comes from the idea that if you tackle your most challenging or unpleasant task first thing in the morning, the rest of your day will feel much easier in comparison. 

3. Move to improve. Any physical exercise during the working day boosts energy levels, improves focus, and reduces stress, helping you stay productive and mentally sharp. Moreover, it prevents health issues caused by prolonged sitting, like back pain and muscle stiffness.

4. Uncover what sparks your energy. To avoid getting stuck in the constant "work and home" routine, it's worth adding some excitement to your life with activities that inspire and make you happy. It might be singing or drawing lessons, an evening with close friends at a beautiful restaurant, or a yoga or cooking class. Exploring a different environment and engaging in a fresh activity can help you take your mind off work-related problems, reduce stress, and remind you of life's variety.

5. Rest enough. Good sleep is essential for productivity, enhances decision-making, and reduces stress, leading to better overall performance at work. To improve sleep quality, establish a consistent bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and create a relaxing sleep environment free from noise. 

6. Use aromatherapy before sleep for a more relaxing atmosphere. Diffuse calming essential oils like lavender or chamomile in your bedroom, or use special lavender sachets placed under our pillow for a soothing effect.

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Plan a fresh start in your career

Exploring and pursuing promising opportunities for growth can serve as an additional motivator to work diligently.

Here are 4 useful tips on how to rapidly climb the career ladder this year:

• Evaluate your worth in the job market. Research current salary trends and common demands for employees. Identify the most sought-after skills and compare your experience and qualifications to the required standards.
• Upgrade your skills. After thorough research, identify your areas of growth. You might need to improve your knowledge of foreign languages, gain familiarity with specific software or tools, or enroll in relevant courses. Use your spare time effectively to acquire additional knowledge in your field.
• Set inspiring career goals. Setting ambitious career goals is essential as it provides direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. Define your own financial goals, such as traveling to exotic destinations or buying a new car, to help you remain committed despite challenges.
• Ask your boss about career opportunities. Have an honest conversation with your employer, expressing your ambitions and interest in growth within the company. Show your willingness to take on more responsibility and be proactive. If your efforts are not appreciated, it might be time to consider looking for another job that offers more room for growth.

Prioritize mental health

While many people care more about their physical health, ignoring mental health issues negatively affects their mood, job performance and leads to anxiety, depression, and burnout.

How to improve mental health to live a more quality and productive life?

Start by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. Regular breaks, even short ones, can refresh your mind and boost focus. Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and stay present in the moment. Lastly, gradually change your mindset by ensuring yourself that most of the problems are trivial and can be solved, but to cure the nervous system might require a lot of time, effort, and money. Repeating calming phrases like «I am capable», «This situation is temporary», or «I am strong, I can handle this» helps redirect the mind and build resilience. 

Even if you have been applying these tips all year round and have been productive and cheerful, December might wreak havoc on your activities. It is a stressful season associated with the preparation for the holiday, many responsibilities at work, and the obligation to choose gifts for your family and friends. However, it can be fun and stress-reducing to use some helpful applications that facilitate the gift exchange process.

One of them is the MySanta app. You can organize a Secret Santa gift exchange with its help. With this online generator, gift exchange becomes easier, more fun, and not stressful at all — participants indicate how they want to receive a gift and write their personal wish lists. No one will be left without a gift because everything is recorded in the online generator. You can play with anyone, whether they are your friends, colleagues, or relatives.

Try our MySanta app

You can create wishlists, add exclusions, and communicate with your gifree secretly. Moreover, there is an option to track gifts and ensure that everyone buys a present on time.

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