How to Ease Back Into Work After Vacation

Vacation usually makes you serene, soothed—and spoiled. The hardest part of it all is returning to work. Rather than expect to rule the world the first Monday back, you can successfully ease back into work after vacation with some common sense, a slower pace and a few tips.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Systematically go through that wide pile of work that’s accumulated on your desk. Sort it into four piles: must do today, do sometime this week, do whenever and trash.

2. Keep vacation memories green. It’s always glorious to show up your first day back with a book full of vacation memories. This will not only allow you to take frequent breaks while you share the memories with interested parties, but will also allow you to gaze at them throughout the day when you feel too stressed.

3. Take frequent breaks. At least once an hour, and more if necessary, get up and stretch. Walk around the block and clear your head. Go splash cold water on your face in the bathroom.

4. Work at your own pace. No one expects a whirling dervish on the first day back from vacation, or even the first week back. Take advantage of this fact and work at your own pace until you are up to speed with the rest of the office once again.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring back souvenirs. Everyone at the office loves to get a trinket from some far off place. It also gives you another reason to stall and talk about vacation rather than work.
• If you need help, ask for it. Ask your boss to prioritize what needs immediate attention and what can wait if it all feels too overwhelming.
• Vacation photos make great screen savers or desktop pics.
• Don’t expect stress or you’re sure to get it.
• Don’t expect your “To Do” pile to be done in the first day, or even the first week back.
• Don't forget to breathe!