The one downside to a long weekend is that it’s just long enough for you to fully unwind and switch off from work and then BAM you’re thrown back into the mayhem that is your first day back!
If you’re anything like me you’re probably dreading opening your inbox to see hundreds of unread emails staring at you like an accusation. Or maybe you’re procrastinating on social media as we speak, trying to prolong that leisurely holiday vibe and delay the inevitable return to a hard days labour.
If you’re lacking in vigor after a holiday break, don’t beat yourself up – you’re not alone! There are some very simple techniques you can employ to motivate yourself:
1. Acknowledge that It’s Your First Day Back
First step – acknowledge that this is your first day back after a holiday and that everything might not all go to plan. Expect things to be a little topsy turvy today. There will be follow ups, tasks outside your usual schedule that will need to be seen to, and generally a bit of tidying up to do. Today is not going to be your normal run of the mill start to the work week, so don’t expect it to be.
2. Plan for your Return
[Tweet “Brainstorm a list of things you want to achieve and prioritise tasks that are time sensitive. “]
It helps to if you give yourself small, achievable goals through out the day to give yourself a feeling of accomplishment and stave off the dreaded overwhelm!
3. Communicate First
Spend the first part of your morning reaching out to your team and/or clients. Let them know you’re back online and what you hope to achieve now that you’ve returned to work. This will help keep you accountable and on track with the day ahead.
4. Get Started
Now that you’re sorted with a list of tasks and you’ve communicated with everyone it’s time to get cracking. Pick a task and jump in! Procrastination is the enemy of any productive so it helps to just take the bull by the horns and start working. Once you’ve passed that first hurdle it’s a much less bitter pill to swallow!
Remember – it’s not possible to get everything done on your first day back. If you’re really struggling in terms of productivity and time management explore the options that outsourcing can provide you and your business.
