Returning to Work After a Long Holiday: How to Overcome the Lack of Motivation
What Causes Loss of Motivation?
Psychologist Jeroen Nawijn from Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands) has spent considerable time studying the correlation between holidays and work performance.
Many people lose motivation after a long holiday – (Photo: CAREER ADDICT).
According to him, while most people experience increased joy during holiday breaks, they often feel a sense of disappointment on the first day back at work.
One reason for this is that during the holiday, you can do whatever you want, but when you return to the routine of work or study, you immediately lose that sense of freedom.
Therapist Suzanne Degges-White, head of the Counseling and Educational Psychology department at Northern Illinois University (USA), states that upon returning to the work world after a long break, most of us feel immediate pressure from questions like how many tasks we have, how we will accomplish them, and when they will be completed.
She explains that the difficulty of readjusting to work is due to the fact that tasks and responsibilities do not disappear; they are simply put on hold during the holiday.
Many people realize that tasks can pile up even during their time off: there are not only unfinished tasks but also new ones to address.
Suzanne Degges-White also mentions the shift in sleep-wake habits, moving from a flexible schedule during the holiday to a more structured routine upon return to work. Additionally, overindulgence in food and alcohol during the holiday can also impact one’s health.
How to Transition Back to Work Mode
According to psychologist Jeroen Nawijn, it’s essential to prepare a plan for adjusting your lifestyle from a long holiday back to work.
There should be a transition period between these two phases, which can be just one day, half a day, or even longer. It’s not advisable to enjoy the holiday until the last evening and then switch to work mode the very next day.
Degges-White recommends that during this transition period, you should make a list of tasks to accomplish in your first week back. Keeping your work and living space clean and organized when returning to work can also help you feel more at ease.
Leave a transition period at the end of your holiday to organize work when returning to work – (Photo: GETTY IMAGES).
Alongside those who feel sluggish, some people feel “tempted” to quickly jump back into the routine by placing pressure on themselves to make up for lost time. However, neuroscientists at Stanford University (USA) conclude that attempting to multitask can create chaos in how the brain processes tasks, leading to mistakes or decreased productivity.
Another important note is that you should allow yourself short breaks during the workday. These breaks can be used for stretching or practicing deep breathing. Exercising after work in the early days back from the holiday can also help relieve stress and regain focus.
Additionally, if you’re not feeling well, be upfront with your boss about needing time to adjust back to the work routine.
Travel writer Nneka Okona suggests one tip: right after the holiday ends, start planning for your next vacation.
She says: “The only thing that consistently works for me is to book another trip as soon as possible. My disappointment lessens significantly if I know I have something else to look forward to.”
She also recommends bringing a souvenir from your holiday to work, such as snacks or drinks. This way, you won’t feel the need to completely “cleanse” the memories and emotions from your holiday but can still bring a bit of that flavor into your first days back at work.
