Start fresh, stay grounded, your comeback begins here.
Now the holidays are over, for many business owners, returning to work feels daunting.
Emails are pinging in your inbox, your to-do list is endless, and deadlines are looming. After relaxing over the holidays, it can feel unnerving trying to get back into your rhythm.
You feel overwhelmed. Well, you’re not alone.
Transitioning from holiday mode to full-speed work can be challenging. Remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once.
Prioritise, focus and take control of your workload by doing practical steps to avoid burnout.
Here are some steps to help you get back on track after the holidays.
1. Assess Your Inbox.
Coming back to a cluttered inbox after a break can be overwhelming.
Tackle what matters first before diving into the rest. Scan for urgent emails from clients and those that require urgent attention. Respond to these. Less urgent emails are organised into folders, labels or flags so you can follow up later.
You can unsubscribe from newsletters you no longer read.
2. List Three Things You Need To Do.
Instead of tackling your long to-do list, break it down each day into three essential tasks.
Keep your list simple by writing it down in a planner or a Post-it note. You can select tasks relevant to your ongoing projects for that day.
Don’t multitask; focus on completing one task at a time.
3. Check Your Calendar.
Take some time to reorganise and review your schedule to reflect on your current priorities. Set time aside to work on your most important tasks.
Any non-essential meetings should be rescheduled for a later date.
Between meetings, leave gaps to catch your breath or address any issues.
4. Give Priority To Self-Care.
Remember not to neglect your well-being by taking care of yourself. It is crucial to help stay focused and productive.
Your brain needs fuel to function optimally, so remember to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
Take short breaks throughout your workday, just 5-10 minutes to stretch your legs and clear your head.
To help prevent burnout, establish an end to your working day.
5. Think About Tomorrow.
You can begin planning for tomorrow at the end of your working day. It will reduce morning stress.
Examine your day to determine what you need to accomplish and what you’ve already achieved. Identify 2-3 tasks that are urgent for the next day.
Tidy your desk at the end of the day to help you start your day with a clear mind.
6. Handle One Issue At A Time.
Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to handle every issue at once. Decide what issues you need to address immediately, such as missed deadlines. Resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Once you’ve handled one issue, move on to the next.
7. Build Momentum With Quick Wins.
Complete small, manageable tasks to give a sense of progress. Tackle easy tasks, respond to emails, or confirm meetings, etc.
Celebrate each win, no matter how big or small. Use momentum to achieve quick wins and tackle more complex tasks.
8. Check In With Your Team.
If you have a team, they will likely be feeling the same way after the holidays. A check-in can help realign everyone.
Have a short meeting; this can help clarify priorities and align responsibilities.
Delegate tasks that don’t need your direct involvement. Be clear about deadlines and what is necessary for each task.
Post-holiday adjustment doesn’t ned to distract you; all that is required are the proper steps to get you back on track.
Focus on progress over perfection.
If you require assistance, consider delegating tasks to a virtual assistant to help lighten your load.
Start small, build momentum, and trust that every step brings you closer to being ready for what’s next.