7 Tips on Getting Back to the Grind after a Vacation ...

You can't expect to dive right back into the scheme of things the moment you get back. I know some workaholics are able to pull this one off, but I have a very hard time doing it. Take frequent breaks for the first couple of days back to work. These breaks don't have to entail getting up and taking an hour break down to the nearest store or anything like that. They might be a trip to the water fountain or just standing up and stretching for a few minutes to get the blood moving again. It's hard to sit still without getting a bit stir-crazy after being gone on vacation.

This is easier to do when you return from vacation at least a day before you have to show up at the office. It’s better if you can allot yourself even more than a single day. A few extra days is actually better; one to get unpacked, one to get ready for work, and one to relax and do nothing at all. Being fully rested when heading back to work always helps me remain better focused on work, instead of getting grumpy at the slightest things.

It's always tempting to sleep in late everyday, all the way up until the day you are supposed to be headed back to work. I find this makes it much harder to try and get back into the swing of things. There's also nothing like lounging in your pajamas all day long. Try to switch over to your old routine that was followed before you left on vacation. The sooner you are able to return to a regular schedule, the quicker you'll adjust to being back to work.

I know this may sound harsh. I don’t like waking up to an alarm and I enjoy every morning that I get to wake up on my own. A gentle nudge with a soft cat paw is much nicer than the obnoxious blare from my alarm clock. Unfortunately for me, by the time the cats decide it's time for me to get up, I would have been late for work. They don't usually begin their feline wake-up call until closer to 8am. Setting the alarm to wake up early is always hard, especially when I'm used to staying up late. It's best to begin the 'early to bed, early to rise' routine as soon as I get back from vacation.

When I'm trying to get back into the swing of things I tend to find myself worn out at the end of the day. I don't feel like cooking when I come home from my first couple of days of work after a long break. I might put in a casserole that can be reheated for the next two or three days and eat that for dinner when I come home. Making a big pot of chili or stew on the day before going back to work also helps. This can be frozen in individual servings and easily reheated in a few minutes.

Office work that has built up while you were away can be a disheartening sight. Try separating things into piles that help to make more sense. This will allow you to focus on the really important stuff first and then work your way towards the other stuff later. I don't feel as overwhelmed when my work is prioritized. Sort work into files, put post-it notes on things, and do whatever you need to get organized.

If possible, take it easy the first couple of days back to work. I know not all jobs allow employees to relax in the office. I'm sure being able to ease into work again will help to lessen the traumatic blow to the system that going from doing nothing at all to being thrown back into reality has caused. It's always easier to do a little more each day until you are able to get back into the swing of things.

There are many different jobs in the world and not all the 7 tips on getting back to the grind after a vacation are useful in all job situations. I hope at least some of these come in handy for you or that you are able to alter them so they apply to your work situation. What tips do you have for getting back into a work routine after a nice, relaxing vacation has come to an end? Do you use the same techniques each time?

Top Photo Credit: Bahman Farzad