Whether you’ve enjoyed a relaxing beach vacation or a party-packed one, it’s not easy to get back into the usual routine. Going back to work following the holidays can be a difficult transition. With emails to catch up and meetings to attend, the last thing you need is a stressful return to work. But don’t worry: we offer you these tips for following the holidays. From planning your first to reconnecting with your co-workers, click through the gallery to discover some tips to ease your return to work.
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Actively plan your return
When it comes to going on vacation, most people focus on the last day of work. But the return is also important. For example, consider going home on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. You’ll have time to unpack, shop, and get plenty of rest before heading back to work.
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Enjoy a good night’s sleep
We all know how important it is to get a good night’s sleep to focus and perform. So make sure you turn off screens before bed and go to bed early. You will be rested and ready for your first day back.
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Check your email the night before
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For others, however, the night before is still part of their vacation time, so checking their inbox isn’t an option. Ultimately, it is important to know which strategy is best for you.
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Plan the morning ahead
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Plan the morning ahead
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Don’t work at lunchtime
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Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Set goals and write them down
Once you get back to work, set some goals and how you’re going to achieve them. The number and type of goals you set will depend entirely on your job, but make sure they are realistic.
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Set goals and write them down
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Check social media related to your field of work on break
During your break, check out the work-related social networks you use for news and updates in your field. Doing this intentionally during your break will help you resist the urge to review them while your mind seeks distraction during work.
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Then, close all social networks
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Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Consider sending an autoresponder message
If you spend your first day back clearing out a backlog of work, you may be slower to respond to new messages. For this reason, consider setting up an automatic response to new emails, committing to reply shortly. This simple step will take the pressure off of reading and responding to new emails right away.
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Set a time to answer emails
Since you’ve set up an auto-reply message, you don’t have to stress regarding responding to new messages right away. Instead, set aside some time to read the new emails that come your way. It can be 15 minutes before the coffee break.
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Don’t lose the vacation feeling altogether
You can still maintain the vacation feeling by taking a walk in a park during your meal, or eating outdoors. You can also meet a friend following work for ice cream or a drink.
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Classify your inbox
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Borra or archive
Your inbox probably accumulates emails that are totally unnecessary. From mailing lists you probably don’t remember joining, to links to funny videos, they’re all great distractions. Be ruthless and delete as many as you can, or archive them to look at later.
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Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Plan the breaks
Known as the Pomodoro Technique, work for 25 minutes straight, with a five-minute break following each work period. When you’ve completed four of these 25-minute sessions, take a 15- to 30-minute break. This will fully recharge your batteries.
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Do not work more than necessary
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check your calendar
Be sure to check your calendar the day before you go back to work. You don’t want to be caught off guard by any surprises, like a canceled meeting or a new event.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you buy something using the recommended links on this page.
Work faster in the middle of the week
By the middle of the week, you will have completely resumed your usual work rhythm, while still being rested for the holidays. Take advantage of the energy boost to work harder on difficult tasks before the weekend.
