No Monday is worse than a Monday after a week-long vacation.

You're dragging it. Getting out of bed seems hard, let alone going to work.

Let's explore why coming back to work after vacation is hard so we can build a better game plan.

Why is it hard to come back to work after vacation?

There are a number of reasons why it can be hard to come back to work after a vacation. Some common causes include:

1. Vacation hangover

‍After a period of relaxation and leisure, it can be difficult to shift back into work mode and adjust to a more structured schedule.

2. Workload

If you have a lot of work waiting for you when you return, it can be overwhelming.

3. Re-entry shock

Going from a relaxed vacation environment to the stresses and demands of work can be jarring, and it can take time to readjust to the routine and pace of work.

4. Social isolation

If you have been away from your coworkers and have missed out on office chatter and camaraderie, it can be tough to reconnect and feel like part of the team again.

Or, if you took a staycation, it can challenging to return to the office after so much peaceful alone time.

5. Personal issues

If you have experienced personal problems or challenges during your vacation, it can be hard to leave those behind and focus on work.

Thankfully, there are some clear steps we can take to make this transition easier on ourselves.

Top 10 Tips for Coming Back to Work After Vacation

Here are some tips for coming back to work after vacation.

1. Plan ahead

Before you leave, make sure you have a plan in place for catching up on work and getting back into the swing of things on your first couple of days back. This might involve setting aside time to review emails and tasks, delegating tasks to colleagues, or setting priorities for what needs to be done first.

It may be a little late for your upcoming vacation, but this one's a good tip to keep in mind for next time. Try taking your PTO from a Thursday to a Thursday, so that you only have one day at the office before another weekend. This is a great way to ease back into it and make the time off feel a bit longer.

2. Take it slow

It's normal to feel a bit overwhelmed after returning from vacation. Take some time to ease back into work gradually rather than trying to tackle everything at once. Take some time to catch up on emails and adjust to being back in the office before tackling more complex tasks.

On your first day back, you could start the day by tidying your desk to help you ease into it and help your brain get into work mode.

3. Reflect on your vacation

On your last day before returning to work after vacation, think about what you learned or gained from your time off. This can help you feel more motivated and energized as you return to work.

4. Connect with your colleagues

Catch up with your colleagues to find out what happened while you were away. This can help you feel more connected and informed about what's going on at work.

5. Set boundaries

It's important to set boundaries around your work and leisure time to help you feel balanced and energized. Make sure you're taking breaks and setting aside time for relaxation and self-care.

6. Don't beat yourself up

It's normal to feel a bit behind and get back into the swing of things after being away from work for a while. Don't be too hard on yourself if it takes a while to get back up to speed.

7. Stay organized

Before you leave for vacation (and/or on your first day back), update your planner or to-do list to keep track of tasks and deadlines that will be a high priority on your first week back. This will help you stay focused and on top of your work.

Try to keep it to three major tasks to help reduce overwhelm.

8. Seek support

Don't hesitate to ask for help or clarification if you need it. Your colleagues and manager are there to support you and ensure that you can succeed in your role.

9. Get a good night's sleep

It's important to get back on a regular sleep schedule to help you feel refreshed and ready to work. A best practice is to keep your wake up time within 30 minutes to an hour. Try to wake up at the time you usually do on workdays the last couple of days of your vacation.

10. Exercise and eat well

Exercise and eating well at work can help improve your energy and focus, making it easier to get back into the swing of things.

How to Get Past Work Resistance

If you are experiencing resistance to work or finding it difficult to motivate yourself on your first few days back at work, there are a few strategies you can try.

1. Set clear goals

Having specific, achievable goals can help you focus and give you a sense of purpose.

2. Break tasks down into smaller steps

When faced with a large, overwhelming task, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help you feel more in control and make progress more easily.

3. Find ways to make work more enjoyable

Look for ways to make your work more interesting or engaging, such as by finding ways to apply your strengths or passions to your tasks, or by working on a project that aligns with your values.

4. Take breaks

Taking regular breaks can help you recharge and stay focused. It can be helpful to step away from your work for a few minutes every hour or so to stretch, take a walk, or do something enjoyable.

5. Seek support

If you are struggling with work resistance and are finding it hard to motivate yourself, it may be helpful to seek support from a friend, mentor, or mental health professional. They can offer guidance and help you identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to your resistance.

Remember to be kind to yourself! Coming back to work after a vacation is challenging for nearly everyone. It is normal. Make sure to take care of yourself as you return, and you'll be back at it before you know it.

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