Back to work? Beat the post-holiday blues

Sharing a coffee in the cafeteria before the morning meeting can provide emotional support and motivation. Photo / Ben Fraser

The holidays might be over, but it doesn't have to be all gloom. Here are five ways to beat the back-to-work blues.

1. Ease into it

If you can, take some time to get your feet back under the desk. Spend the first few days clearing away all that Christmas clutter from your cubicle, change your out-of-office settings back and reply to any phone or email messages that might have backed up while you were at the bach. A clean desk means a clean start.

2. Catch up with your colleagues

It's not all about comparing the best suntans or holiday stories. Many of your workmates will be spending their first days back in the trenches as well, and sharing a coffee in the cafeteria before the morning meeting can provide emotional support and motivation.

3. Keep your work-life balance healthy

Make sure you at least have 15 minutes a day of personal time and get outside as much as you can while the sun is shining. Arrange after-work activities, like swims at the beach or meeting friends at the garden bar, to look forward to on evenings and weekends.

4. A change of scenery?

If you hadn't mulled it over during the break, ask yourself whether you are truly happy in your job. There's never a better time to consider freshening up you career. If you're happy where you are, arrange a job review to discuss ways to stay fulfilled or challenged, and think about learning some new skills this year.

5. Plan your next outing

Your time in the sun doesn't have to be over. Check how much leave you have left over and consider getting back out for a week or a weekend away. A few snaps of the kids at the beach over New Year next to your keyboard can look much brighter if you know you'll be off again soon.