Offday after the holidays? Here's how to get through it

After a wonderful summer holiday, getting back to work can be a challenge. It's perfectly normal to reluctantly return to your daily routine. Whether you're suffering from the post-holiday blues, stressing over accumulated tasks or just struggling to get back into your normal work rhythm, there are ways to get through this offday without completely losing your productivity. Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters shares 7 tips to help you. 

1. Acknowledge and accept your feelings 

It is important to acknowledge that it can be difficult to get back to work after a relaxing holiday. Instead of forcing yourself to perform at full capacity right away, take some time to understand why you feel like this. Is it the pressure of unread emails, the transition from leisure to work, or just a lack of motivation? Accepting your feelings will help you deal with them better. 

Be gentle with yourself. It is perfectly normal to need some time to get back into the work rhythm.

Treat yourself with the same understanding you would show a colleague in a similar situation. 

2. Set priorities 

After a holiday, your to-do list can feel intimidating. Start by identifying the most urgent tasks and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. This will help you get back on track step by step, without getting overwhelmed. 

Set realistic goals for the day and postpone less important tasks if possible. By focusing on what is important, you can make progress despite the start-up problems. 

3. Take short breaks and exercise 

It may seem contradictory, but taking regular short breaks can increase your productivity, particularly if you are struggling to get back into the work rhythm. Allow yourself short moments of relaxation to clear your head and lower your stress levels. 

During your breaks, take advantage of activities that energize you, like a short walk or some stretching exercises. This can help you start fresh again. 

4. Take good care of yourself 

Self-care is crucial, especially when you feel a bit less motivated after a holiday. Integrate stress-reducing exercises into your working day, such as meditating or listening to soothing music, to calm your mind. 

Maintain your energy levels through healthy snacks and plenty of water. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugar, as these can cause a dip later in the day. 

5. Seek support and company 

You are not alone in finding it difficult to return to work after a holiday. Talk to a colleague or manager about how you feel. Sometimes a simple conversation can provide relief and help you look at your work with fresh eyes. 

Positive interactions with colleagues, such as chatting or laughing together, can significantly improve your mood and make your day brighter. 

6. Adapt your work environment 

A comfortable work environment can do a lot for your productivity and mood. Make sure your workspace is inviting, with personal items that bring you joy. Adjust the lighting and temperature and maybe play some soothing music. 

Don't forget your digital work environment either: tidy up your desktop and turn off unnecessary notifications to minimize distractions. 

7. End your day on a positive note 

At the end of the day, it is important to reflect on your achievements, however small. Celebrating your successes makes you feel fulfilled and allows you to end the day on a positive note. This will help you start the next working day with a better mindset. 

Everyone struggles at times to pick up where they left off after a holiday. By giving yourself time to get back into the rhythm and applying the above strategies, you will find that you will soon be back to your old level. Remember that offdays pass, and you will soon be back to work full of energy!

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