If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably eaten too much, drank too much, not exercised as you usually would and gotten used to staying up later and sleeping in longer over the last couple of weeks. 

Christmas is over, the new year is here and it’s tough to shake yourself off and get back into a routine. Be assured that you’re not alone. According to a survey, British people take an average of four days to fully adjust to work after the Christmas period! 

To try and help you get back into the swing of things, here are our tips on surviving the back to work blues:

1. Don’t put to much pressure on yourself

Obviously, you have a job to do but don’t launch yourself into it too quickly. Your head is probably still full of Cards against Humanity quotes and Radio Times listings so give yourself a chance to settle back in. 

Use your first day to clear out your workspace and de-clutter. Sort your files out, throw away the shrivelled apple you never got round to eating and create a clear and organised space to work from. You’ll feel much better prepared to get productive once you’re done.

2. Sort out your email inbox

Cleanse your emails and delete all those that are ‘so last year’. Move any that don’t require any action into your folders and make sure your inbox only contains those with actionable tasks. 

Respond to emails that are quick wins and flag the ones that you were putting off last year because you were winding down for Christmas. Make these your priority and get them sorted, you’ll feel much better for getting them sorted.

3. Give yourself a break

Whether you are working from home or at a workplace we all need time away from the screen. This is even more important after the Christmas break as your eyes will be out of the habit of getting 8 hours glare a day and will only give you an evening headache as a thank you! 

Leave your desk and go and do something else for a while. Better still, get your coat on and go for a walk outside. Being outdoors gives you a dose of vitamin D, boosts your energy and restores your focus. You’ll be much more productive when you return to your (de-cluttered) desk.

4. Plan something fun

After all the Christmas excitement is over, it’s easy to feel like there isn’t much to look forward to so get something in the diary. A dinner out, cinema trip or drinks with friends. Whatever it is, get it booked in!

5. Look after yourself

After all the chocolate oranges, cheese boards and leftover turkey, your body is probably crying out for some goodness. Brazil nuts, oily fish, oats, bananas, lentils, spinach and even dark chocolate not only have great nutritional value but can boost your mood and make you happier too.

It sounds cliché, but getting active helps to lift your spirits and will make you feel better about yourself after gorging on Quality Street for two weeks straight. 

With everyone’s new year’s resolutions kicking in, the streets are likely to be full of runners and cyclists in their shiny new lycra so why not join them? If that’s not your thing then there are lots of exercise tutorials free to view on YouTube and some only take 10 minutes. 

You’ll be amazed how much better you feel if you get up 10 minutes earlier to do a little bit of exercise before work – perfect for beating the post-Christmas blues.

If HR issues are adding to your ‘return to work woes’ then please contact us to see how we can help support your business in 2024.