Post-holiday productivity slump happens but no matter how much your love for work is, holidays are the winding down ish thing.
Who doesn’t love vacations? Even if they aren’t a trip to the other side of the world, with fanciful resorts, but a simple home get-together, they still provide a moment of buffering from work. Either way, they end, sadly, and the thoughts of work sink in. It’s common to find yourself wishing the holiday didn’t end and feeling reluctant to go to work.
With dwindling ideas, you may need more motivation, even after dragging yourself to work. You may have returned to work slumpy the previous year, but not this new year. Here are five key tips to avoid the post-holiday productivity slump.
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1. Grab Creative Ideas
Vacations refresh not only our bodies but also our minds. While on breaks, ideas flow in by what is seen, and the new environment encourages new ideas. Don’t waste the moment. Whatever cues you see can serve as transforming ideas for your work. Write the ideas down, refine them, and, if possible, put them into action when you return to work. Embrace this opportunity to turn your vacation into meaningful changes that can boost your work.
2. Leave a Buffer Day In-Between
According to Strategic Coach, buffer days “are days when you handle all the administrative work that needs to be done to keep your business running smoothly and to make sure your Free Days are totally free and your Focused days are totally focused.” When planning your vacation, add a buffer day, a whole day to prepare your mind for work, read emails or catch up with your team. This free day also allows you to refresh a day before work. On this day, you can also enjoy a relaxed day at home, preparing your necessities for the next day of work.
3. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
It will not be as easy as ABC to get productive within the first few days. So don’t be hard on yourself. Take it easy at first. Steam down, and know it will take a few days to recuperate. Permit yourself to build momentum gradually. Start by reviewing lists you created earlier on the buffer day, and work through them methodically, focusing on one task at a time. Also, avoid multitasking, which slows you down and leads to mistakes.
4. Be Intrinsically Motivated
One way to bounce back from a post-holiday productivity slump is to tap into intrinsic motivation.
When intrinsically motivated, you find joy and purpose in your work. Intrinsic motivation can be beneficial after a holiday break.
Remind yourself why your work matters. Think about how it aligns with your values and the bigger picture. Turn to positive thinking and the bigger picture.
5. Prioritise Tasks
Returning from a holiday break can feel overwhelming, with many tasks and emails waiting for your attention. However, prioritising your tasks can help you avoid a productivity slump. List everything you need to do to clear your mind and create a starting point.
Next, categorise your tasks into high, medium, and low priorities. Focus on impactful work by asking yourself which tasks will make the most significant difference if completed today.
To stay organised, create a daily top-three list of priorities and concentrate on tackling one task at a time rather than multitasking, which can dilute your focus. Leave room in your schedule for unexpected tasks or surprises that might arise post-holiday, and make it a habit to review and adjust your list at the end of each day to stay on track.
hly jump into a work mood, include a buffer day in your holiday plan, gather creative ideas on your holiday break, be intrinsically motivated and prioritise tasks. With these simple strategies, you can transition smoothly and start the year strong.
Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year!
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