How To Go Back To Work In The New Year After The Holiday Season Without Feeling Anxious

So December is over and January has begun. Everything that you have put off in the merriment of the holiday season now actually has to be tackled. Truly, it is a procrastinator's nightmare. While 'New Year, new me' is an exciting prospect, it isn't very exciting when you have to shake off the year-end shenanigans and replace it with a start of the year go-getter attitude. While a few lucky ones may still be on vacation currently, the majority of us have to get back to work. So how you do you do that without feeling absolutely awful? We've got a few tips to make the transition from the holidays to the hustle-filled workweek a smooth one.

1. Turn In Early

You may want to carpe the noctem a.k.a seize the night on the last one before you head back to work but we'd advise differently. Not to play spoilsport but we'd suggest making it an early night in. After an evening out with friends or a date night at home, head to bed at a responsible hour. No, 3 a.m. isn't that. Working post the holidays when sleep deprived is one of the worst feelings and you'll thank your past self when you go to work after a full night's sleep.

2. Go In Swinging

As much as you'd like to swipe in at work and then instantly head to the coffee shop next door for a sugar boost, avoid it. Dive into work and start ticking things off your to-do list. It's the only realistic way to handle the mountain of work you've got piled up. Once you begin, work will steadily begin to flow smoothly and you'll be over the hump before you know it.

3. Avoid Meetings

We can all agree that meetings; whether in-person, on video or over the phone, are a huge time suck. So on your first day back at work, avoid them as much as you can. Ask a colleague to cover for you or ask meeting participants to send you the minutes later on. You'll save a great deal of time, be able to actually get work done and won't be still stuck when everyone has left for the day either.

4. Take An Extra Day

And if you really can help it, take an extra day off between the end of the holidays and the date you have to return to work. It will help you return to your original sleep cycle, declutter your space and closet and generally, just get your affairs in order. That way, you won't feel to overwhelmed when you do join work the next day.