Getting Back Into Work-Mode After the Summer Slowdown

Switching back into your normal work routine can be tricky after a summer of vacations or shorter hours. The idea of going back to a strict schedule and an overflowing inbox might be giving you anxiety, but we have some tips to ease the pain of heading back to work. Try our advice to help combat the back-to-work blues.

• Schedule “catch up” time- Nothing is worse than juggling new projects while trying to play catch up from what you’ve missed while you’ve been gone. Put time on your schedule to check e-mails or meet with co-workers about what you missed before loading your schedule with tons of meetings and conference calls.
• Bring back your vacation “chill”- Just because you’re not on vacation any more doesn’t mean you should forget about it! Remember how relaxed you felt after you got some time to recharge your batteries and let that calm you on your first week back. Also, be sure to give yourself some “me time” during your workday by sneaking in a workout, taking a walk or meeting a friend for lunch. You can reward yourself for being productive!
• Make a list- When you’re trying to catch up on things you missed, it can be easy to let certain small tasks fall through the cracks. Your first day back, make a list of all the things you need to do over the next few weeks so you don’t forget. Not only will it help you remember tasks, it will also keep you focused on getting the important things done.
• Start the day right- The night before heading back to the office, make sure you get to bed early enough that you can get at least a full 8 hours of sleep. When you wake up, don’t reach right for your phone! Instead, meditate or maybe write down some goals you want to achieve that week. Then, eat a filling, healthy breakfast like oatmeal so you feel full and focused and ready to take on the day! Also, getting in the office before your co-workers gives you the opportunity to start catching up before anyone stops by your desk to chat.
• Take it one task at a time- It can be tempting to try to accomplish five things at once if things have been piling up at your desk since you’ve been gone. Instead, it’s typically more efficient to go all in on one job. That way, you can give it your full attention and get it done more quickly than you would if you were juggling multiple tasks at once. Plus, you’ll feel less overwhelmed!
• Be excited!- When you went back to school as a kid, you were probably pumped about entering a new grade, buying fresh school supplies or taking a new field trip. Think of heading back to your job in the same way. Are there new projects you want to work on? New clients you could work with? Get excited about the new possibilities instead of dreading getting back into a monotonous routine!