Returning to work after a long weekend can often feel like a mixed blessing. On one hand, you’ve been given three days to refresh your mind and return to work with a sharper perspective. On the other hand, for many among us, three days can be long enough to set a precedent of leisure. Fortunately, Insights has compiled a list of tips to assist in easing you back into the daily grind.
1. Pace yourself on the first day back
According to Melbourne-based psychologist Dr Meredith Fuller, many workers can find themselves overworked on the first day after a long weekend, with many professionals feeling the pressure to compensate for lost time.
“One of the reasons why some of us can get in a funk [after a long weekend] is because we return to work full bore,” Fuller said to Body and Soul.
“It’s the same syndrome as getting a cold or flu in the first week of your holidays.”
To combat this effect, Fuller suggests setting clear boundaries for the first day back. Respond to phone calls and emails and prepare a “to-do” list for the coming week, but ensure you allow yourself short breaks throughout the day, and don’t feel the urge to complete everything at once. On which note…
2. Create a flexible schedule
Sales and niche marketing expert Matthew Pollard says the key to a balanced work schedule is the flexibility to shaft a few tasks from your timetable.
“Always schedule one or two non-urgent tasks when planning your day. That way, if an unexpected occurrence transpires, you can feel comfortable concentrating on that and rescheduling these tasks to a later date,” Pollard wrote in Entrepreneur.
“Trying to pack all of your urgent work into a single day leaves you no room to shift anything and it greatly increases stress. Prevent yourself from becoming overwhelmed by planning smarter.”
3. Give it some time before making any rash choices
Fuller warns that your judgement can be skewed after a long weekend; your professional (and sometimes even personal) life can seem a great deal gloomier in the aftermath of a break. As a result, she suggests postponing any major decisions until you’re settled back in: “Don’t resign and don’t dump your girlfriend.”
Give yourself some time to consider your situation, and wait until you’ve established a routine again before committing to an important life choice.
4. Remember that you’re not alone
If you’re struggling to settle back into office life after a long weekend, chances are that you’re not the only one. Reaching out to colleagues and determining how you can best assist each other is a simple and effective way to lighten the workload after a short break.
“Debriefing with your manager, team leader or fellow business owners can alleviate the stress you feel,” said Pollard.
“Tell them what’s happening in your career or what’s occurring throughout the day that makes you feel so overwhelmed. Chances are that getting it off your chest will lessen some of the anxiety you feel.”