Going Back to work in 2011

Well, with only hours of holidays left I am feeling the work blues. I dont want to go back but like most of us, I like being paid. I am sure I am not alone in this feeling of not really wanting to return to work. Many have eaten too much, drank too much and partied a little too hearty over the last few weeks. How, then, may we best return to normal physically and emotionally? Read on for some wisdom I discovered.

Discipline: Sense of humor

Step 1:

When returning to work after being away for the Christmas season, it is very easy to experience a mild depression. Not only do we need to catch up on hundreds of voice and emails, but a backlog of assignments and projects delayed until after the first of the year hit us immediately when stepping back into our places of employment. Perhaps you have gained a little weight and enjoyed too much rich food and candy. You have slept late the last couple of weeks and, truth be told, you would rather be anywhere but in the office and back to work. You feel anything but the professional you are required to be on this morning. Now, you must call upon self-discipline and the ability to laugh at yourself to pull yourself through to normalcy.

Step 2:

If the scenario outlined in Step 1 describes you, take heart. There are things you can do to get yourself back to normal. For the first week of the new year, going to bed early and getting a good night’s rest will help as much as anything will. Playing catch up at work is never fun, but this is especially true when coming down off of the emotional high of the holiday season, when we have two major holidays a week apart. This is a tiring week for several reasons. As much as is possible given your situation, pace yourself

Step 3:

During this time, eat sparingly and avoid alcoholic beverages. Take time away from your duties this week to get adequate exercise, even if it means you have to work a little extra in the evening, which you are probably doing anyway. The point is, get back to business – but also get back to the business of taking care of you.

Step 4:

Avoid trying to get caught up all at once. You do not wish to undo the happiness and joy you enjoyed during your time off. Although you are back to work, playing catch up and extending yourself somewhat to do it, take care not overdo it. Most tasks, unless they are extreme and emergency in nature, may wait another day to be addressed.

Step 5:

Summing up: Do whatever you can this week to take care of your mind and body. Pace yourself and do not over extend physically or emotionally. Get adequate rest, eat and drink in moderation and exercise. Laugh at yourself and resolve to plan better next year – and follow through. If you will do these things, you will not need to read an article such as this on the first Monday of the new year.