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How to Cope with the Back to Work Blues: The Fun Way

31 Jan 2025

Ah, the end of the holiday season. The festive decorations are down, the mulled wine is a distant memory, and the only thing left of your holiday break is the feeling of dread about going back to work. Sound familiar? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. The back to work blues are a real thing, and you’re probably feeling a little like you’ve just woken up from a long nap and realised you have to run a marathon. 

But don’t panic! It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. With the right mindset, a few clever tricks, and some well-placed caffeine, you can kick those back-to-work blues to the curb and start the year with energy, focus, and maybe even a smile (we can hope, right?). 

Here’s how to ease yourself back into the grind without losing your mind: 

 

1. Ease in Like You’re Wading into a Pool, Not Jumping Off a Cliff 

You wouldn’t dive straight into freezing water, so why dive straight into your inbox after a long break? Take it slow! The first few days are all about getting back into the groove – not setting any world records. Ease into your schedule like you're dipping your toe into a cold pool. No need to cannonball in. 

Tip: Start with the easy stuff. Tidy your desk, reply to a few emails, and don’t even think about diving into big projects just yet. Let your brain warm up. You’ve earned a little transition time. 

 

2. Set Realistic Expectations: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day 

You may feel like you should be back to your productivity peak the moment you sit down at your desk, but let’s face it – you’re not a superhero. Setting ridiculously high expectations can just lead to burnout. Instead, go for small wins, and then celebrate like you’ve just completed a marathon. 

Tip: Pick one or two big tasks to focus on, and set achievable goals. If you finish them, reward yourself with something small and enjoyable – a coffee, a 10-minute scroll through cat memes, or even an extra 10 minutes at lunch. It’s about progress, not perfection. 

 

3. Revisit Your ‘Why’ – Remember What You Love About Your Job 

You might be feeling a bit disconnected from your work after a break, but guess what? You did choose this job for a reason. Whether it’s the satisfaction of ticking off to-do lists, the thrill of a challenging project, or the joy of team banter – there’s a reason you’re here. 

Tip: Take a few minutes to remind yourself why you love your job (or at least why you tolerate it). If you’re unsure, ask yourself: “What was I excited about last time I came back to work?” Sometimes, a little reflection can spark that fire back up. 

 

4. Plan Something Fun – Like, Immediately 

The quickest way to combat the back-to-work blues? Look forward to something else! If you’re already planning your next holiday, that’s great. But you don’t have to wait months for the next break to enjoy life. 

Tip: Plan something fun for the week. It could be as simple as dinner with friends, a movie night, or treating yourself to something small (hello, new book or plant!). Having something to look forward to makes getting through the week feel much less... well, bleh. 

 

5. Refresh Your Workspace – A New Year, New Desk Vibes 

Sometimes, the thought of returning to the same old desk (which may have started looking like a war zone before you left) can be enough to make you want to stay in bed forever. So, shake things up a bit! A little desk refresh can go a long way in making you feel more motivated and organised. 

Tip: Clear the clutter, reorganise your files, and maybe even throw in a new plant (because let’s face it, plants are the new office decor). A tidy desk = a tidy mind. Plus, it gives you an excuse to use the ‘new year, new me’ line with your colleagues. 

 

6. Get Back Into a Routine – Start Small 

After a break, your routine might feel a little off. But routine is your friend. It doesn’t have to be a rigid military schedule, just a structure that helps you get through the day without losing your mind. A little structure goes a long way. 

Tip: Start small with your routine. Wake up a bit earlier (I know, not what you want to hear), or go to bed a little earlier. It’ll make those early mornings feel less like a punishment. Trust me. 

 

7. Be Kind to Yourself – Rome Really Wasn’t Built in a Day 

We all have that inner voice telling us we should be more productive, more focused, or more everything. But if you're feeling sluggish or a bit out of sync, that's OK. Don’t beat yourself up over it – the transition takes time. 

Tip: Give yourself permission to ease back in. The first week back doesn’t have to be a race. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s perfectly normal. Take a break, breathe, and come back to your tasks with a fresh mindset. 

 

8. Reconnect with Your Work Peeps 

If your workplace is anything like most, the return to work can feel a bit... lonely. You’ve missed your colleagues, they’ve missed you, and it’s time to get the socialising back on track. Reconnecting with your team can help you feel more engaged and give you something to look forward to. 

Tip: Organise a coffee catch-up or a team lunch. You don’t have to talk shop the whole time, but reconnecting with people makes the transition smoother. And hey, there’s usually cake involved too, so it’s a win-win. 

 

9. Get Moving – And No, I Don’t Mean the Coffee Run 

It’s easy to feel sluggish when you’re getting back into the grind. But moving your body – whether it’s stretching, going for a walk, or doing a quick workout – can work wonders for boosting your mood and energy. 

Tip: Start your day with a quick walk or a few stretches before sitting at your desk. Even 10 minutes can make a difference. Plus, you'll feel like you’ve already accomplished something by the time you start work. Boom – instant confidence boost! 

 

10. Don’t Forget to Have Fun – Yes, Really! 

The back-to-work blues don’t have to last forever. It’s easy to forget that work can actually be fun – when you find the right balance. Work hard, but also play hard (or at least give yourself the space to enjoy the little things). 

Tip: Find moments in the day to inject a bit of fun – listen to your favourite music while you work, banter with colleagues, or enjoy a treat during your break. Laughter really is the best medicine. 

 

Conclusion: Don’t Let the Back to Work Blues Win! 

Yes, returning to work after a holiday can feel like a massive hurdle, but it doesn’t have to be the dreaded “back to reality” moment we make it out to be. By easing into the new routine, focusing on the positives, and remembering to be kind to yourself, you can tackle those back-to-work blues head-on. And soon enough, you’ll be back in the swing of things – and maybe even enjoying it! 

So here’s to the first month back... and to making 2025 your most productive (and fun) year yet! Happy working, folks!