Holiday Hangover: Started Back at Work Unmotivated

Acknowledge the Funk:

First things first, acknowledge that what you're feeling is perfectly normal. Post-holiday blues are a real thing and you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel a little out of sync after a period of relaxation and indulgence. The contrast between the relaxation of holiday time and the sudden return to schedules and responsibilities can feel stark and jarring.

But here’s the thing – it’s absolutely normal to feel this way. The festivities, the laughter, and the break from routine are behind us, and it's okay to miss them. It's also okay to feel like you’re not quite ready to get back to work just yet. These emotions don't diminish your capabilities or enthusiasm; they simply mean you're human. It is important to recognise these feeling without self-judgment, knowing that this period of readjustment is a temporary phase.

Set the Stage:

Tidy up your workspace. A cluttered desk can be a reflection of a cluttered mind, trapping you in a chaotic energy that's counterproductive. Clean out old papers, organise your stationery, and perhaps add a new plant or photo. A refreshed environment can lead to a refreshed mindset. Sift through the piles that have been untouched during your time away. Recycle what’s no longer needed, file away important documents and arrange your tools for easy access. This isn't just about cleanliness; it's about creating an environment that invites you to be your best self.

By setting the stage with intention, you’re setting yourself up for a comeback. A well-curated workspace invites inspiration and mirrors the clear, motivated mindset you’re aiming to reclaim as you resume your professional journey after the holidays.

Ease Into It:

Returning to work after the holidays can feel like trying to run a marathon without any training. It's unrealistic to expect a surge of productivity to hit the moment you log in, so give yourself the grace to ramp up gradually. Start with smaller, more manageable tasks to ease yourself into the workflow. This could mean sorting through your emails, setting priorities for the week, or simply getting your digital workspace in order. Don't expect to go from zero to hero on your first day back. Completing these smaller tasks can give you a sense of accomplishment and build momentum for the bigger projects.

As you check off these initial tasks, you'll notice a shift in your perception. What once seemed like an insurmountable pile of work becomes a series of smaller steps, each one taking you closer and closer to your peak performance.

Remember, it’s not about how fast you can start, but how well you can sustain your pace.

Revisit Your Goals and Tackle the Challenging Tasks:

In the ebb and flow of work life, it’s easy to lose sight of your professional goals, especially after the disconnection of the holidays. Schedule some time to sit down and recalibrate, examining the goals you were once dedicated to. What were you working towards before the holidays? Remind yourself of the bigger picture and the role your daily tasks play in achieving these objectives. This isn’t just about recall; it’s about realigning with the vision that fuels your drive and defines your career trajectory.

While you’re realigning, it’s also the perfect moment to square up to those more challenging tasks on your to-do list. We all have them—the tasks we circle around cautiously, delaying engagement. Facing these head-on can be invigorating. As you push through and tick them off, the sense of progress is palpable. Overcoming these challenging tasks can provide the significant motivational boost and sense of achievement you might be missing after your holidays.

Don’t forget to celebrate these victories. Whether it’s a tasty lunch treat or a relaxed evening to unwind, rewards are the markers that acknowledge your progress. They're not just perks; they're part of a feedback loop that reinforces your drive, keeping you productive as you step beyond the holiday haze.

Plan Your Breaks:

It is important to intersperse your work with strategic breaks. These intermissions are critical to help maintain your mental and physical stamina. Schedule short intervals throughout the day to step away from your desk, such as a short walk, a moment of stretching or meditation, or even a quiet cup of tea. These intentional activities can refresh your perspective and have been found to prevent burnout. Cultivate these breaks with intention, as they are integral to a balanced approach to productivity.

Connecting with Colleagues and Seeking External Motivation:

Reconnect with your colleagues. The simple act of exchanging holiday stories can ease you back into the social aspect of work, which is a big part of workplace motivation.

Additionally, seek external motivation. Whether it's a podcast that challenges your thinking or an article that uplifts your spirits, external stimuli can spark new ideas and rekindle your professional zeal.

The Sugar Impact:

The holiday season is often synonymous with sugary indulgences, and this can lead to a significant crash in energy levels once the celebrations cease. The sudden reduction in sugar intake can leave you feeling fatigued and unfocused. To mitigate this, gradually taper off sweets and integrate more whole foods into your diet. These choices stabilise your blood sugar and sustain your energy, aiding in a smoother transition back to your work routine.

Salt and Bloat:

Holidays can also mean salty foods. Just as sugar can impact your post-holiday energy, so too can the salt-heavy foods commonly enjoyed during festive feasts. Salty foods can lead to water retention and a bloated feeling, making your first days back feel even more sluggish. Combat this by cutting back on sodium and increasing your water intake to help flush out the excess salt. Adding potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach can also help balance your electrolytes.

The holiday hangover at work can feel like a daunting hurdle, but it's one you can certainly overcome with the right mindset and strategies. By taking small steps, organising your environment, reconnecting with your goals, and allowing yourself the necessary breaks, you'll find that you can get back to your pre-holiday productivity levels – or even exceed them. Remember, motivation is like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes. So, shake off that holiday hangover and welcome back your work mojo!