• 04.09.24

Rebuilding Your Routine from Holiday Mode to Work Mode

As the summer comes to a close, many of us face the challenge of shifting gears from taking a break over the summer where there have been holidays or time off, to the structured demands of work. This transition can be daunting, often bringing with it a mix of post-holiday blues, stress, and anxiety about returning to the daily grind. However, with a bit of planning and a mindful approach, you can ease back into your routine smoothly. Here are some practical tips to help you rebuild your routine and make the transition from holiday mode to work mode more manageable.

1. Gradually Reintroduce Your Routine

One of the most effective ways to transition back to work is to gradually reintroduce your routine. Before getting back to it, try to start waking up at your usual work time, plan meals, and set aside time for your regular morning or evening routines. This gradual shift can help reset your internal clock and reduce the shock of suddenly returning to a structured schedule.

2. Prioritise Sleep

Holidays often come with irregular sleep patterns—late nights and slower mornings can throw off your usual sleep schedule, so prioritising sleep can help to ensure you’re well-rested for your return to work. If you can, aim towards 7-9 hours of sleep each night and establish a consistent bedtime routine. This might include winding down with a book, avoiding screens an hour before bed, and keeping your sleep environment cool and comfortable. Quality sleep is essential for brain function, mood stability, and overall well-being, making it a critical part of your transition back to work.

3. Plan Your First Week Back

The first few weeks back at work can potentially feel overwhelming, especially if you’re greeted by a full inbox and a long to-do list. Try to take some time to plan your first few weeks, identify your top priorities and break them down into manageable tasks. It’s also helpful to block out time on your calendar for focused work, meetings, and breaks. By having a clear plan, you’ll reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and be able to tackle your work with a greater sense of control.

4. Incorporate Relaxation Techniques

Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you have to abandon all relaxation. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine can help you manage stress and maintain a sense of calm. Consider practising mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or even taking short walks during your breaks. Even just taking your shoes and socks off and walking barefoot on grass for a few minutes can increase your level of endorphins and help restore your body’s balance. All these techniques can help you stay grounded and focused, making the transition back to work less jarring.

5. Set Realistic Expectations

It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself during your first few days back at work. Understand that it may take some time to fully get back into the swing of things, and that’s okay. Be kind to yourself and avoid the pressure to immediately return to peak productivity. Instead, focus on gradually increasing your workload and giving yourself time to readjust. Remember, it’s better to ease into your responsibilities than to risk burnout by trying to do too much too soon.

6. Reflect and Set Goals

The end of the summer holidays is a great time to reflect on your personal and professional goals. Use this period to reassess what you want to achieve in the coming months. Setting clear, achievable goals can provide direction and motivation as you transition back to work. Whether it’s completing a project, learning a new skill, or improving work-life balance, having goals can help you focus your energy and make the return to work more purposeful.

7. Maintain a Work-Life Balance

One of the most important aspects of transitioning back to work is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The holidays are a reminder of the importance of downtime and personal well-being. As you return to your routine, make a conscious effort to carve out time for activities you enjoy outside of work. This could be spending time with family, pursuing a hobby, or relaxing at home with your notifications turned off. Balancing work with leisure will not only improve your mental health but also increase your productivity and satisfaction at work.

Transitioning from holiday mode to work mode doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By gradually reintroducing your routine, prioritising sleep, planning your first week back, and incorporating relaxation techniques, you can ease into your work schedule smoothly.

At BaseKit, with our core hours starting from 10am, this gives the team the flexibility to start a little later, even if getting back into a routine is difficult, meaning nobody needs to put pressure on themselves. Remember to set realistic expectations, reflect on your goals, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. With these strategies, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of work while preserving the positive energy and relaxation you gained during your holiday.

We’re always searching for the best advice to help those who need some extra support, below we’ve also found some great tips through these links:

Mind – The Importance of a routine

Calm – 10 mental health goals

Headspace – How to relax

 

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