If you had a delightful holiday season, going back to the workforce and undecorated buildings isnât really something to look forward to, but life has to go on. Many of us could always use another week of champagne, presents, Christmas lights tours, and even that one relative who thinks theyâve mastered Christmas carol singing but really didnât. Even though the spell of Christmas magic might have worn off, it doesnât mean your days need to be spent in a slump. Youâre probably going to have coworkers lamenting going back to work, so thatâs already some negativity in the air. Here are some tips thatâll help you conquer the beginning of the new year and move forward:
1. Come to the office (virtual or in-person) early.
It can take a while to ease back into the hustle. If you normally start at 9 am, you might not find it in you to start working until 11 am. If you can afford to take this extra time, thatâs great. But if youâre in a position that needs attention right away, come early to hype yourself up.
2. Boost the morale.
Youâre not going to be the only one feeling the slump. Chances are youâll hear at least one more person wishing they could have another day or week off -- so give them a reason to be happy to be back! Share the highlights of your holiday and ask them for theirs. If someone doesnât seem to have much joy to share, show some sympathy -- not everyone can have a merry holiday season. If you have any leftover holiday treats, bring them to the office.
3. Focus on your resolutions.
Can you work on any of your New Yearâs Resolutions at work? If theyâre making more sales, satisfying more customers, or coming up with new designs, nowâs the time to implement them. Discuss them among your coworkers to see how they can pitch in. Maybe youâll discover some ways you can help them with their resolutions, bringing you all closer together as a team. Even if your resolutions donât seem to have anything to do with work on the surface, maybe thereâs a way you can incorporate them into your office routine. If your resolution is the ever-so-common âget more exercise and get in shapeâ, maybe you can try a standing desk or taking walks during your breaks.
4. Reflect on what you learned this holiday season and how you can use that to move forward.
Did you make any valuable connections over the holiday parties, such as potential new clients or mentors? If you didnât, donât worry -- the holidays are for unwinding and making human connections, not for business ventures. Maybe you might have discovered some tips for personal growth. Or to be a holiday cliche -- you reconnected with a childhood friend, an estranged family member, and ended up discovering the true meaning of Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate). Maybe you learned the importance of love, empathy, and generosity. Do you think you can apply any of this energy to your job?
5. If your holidays werenât the best, do your best to move forward.
Not everyoneâs Christmas is going to look like a Hallmark movie. If your holiday season wasnât the ethereal snowy dream youâve always wanted it to be, youâre nowhere near alone. Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people every year, with the gloom further exacerbated by personal losses and other interpersonal conflicts that arise around family gatherings. Because each personâs struggle is multilayered and complex, thereâs no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are general de-stressing tips such as getting more sleep, social interaction, and exercise to help you layout a stronger foundation for your recovery plan. Of course, it always helps to treat yourself or a loved one with some equipment to get that better sleep, such as a memory foam mattress or pillow. If youâre reading this at the end of 2021 or the beginning of 2022, Lullâs got a $300 off sale on those mattresses!
