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How to Ease the Stress of Returning to Work After Christmas

Jan 06, 2025

For many of us, heading back to work after the Christmas break can feel overwhelming. The festive season often brings a welcome pause, and the idea of diving straight back into emails, meetings, and deadlines might leave you feeling uneasy. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone it’s a common experience. But the good news is that there are practical steps we can take to make the transition a little smoother.

When I sat down at my desk after the break, I noticed that familiar sense of dread creeping in. It’s natural – the combination of holiday nostalgia, a backlog of tasks, and shifting back into “work mode” can trigger feelings of stress and anxiety. That’s why it’s essential to approach this period with intention and care for both our mental and physical wellbeing.

Here are some strategies I recommend to make returning to work less stressful and more manageable:

1.⁠ ⁠Prepare the Night Before
If you’re yet to return to work, use this time wisely. Getting organised can do wonders for easing back into your routine. The night before your first day back, take a moment to prepare everything you’ll need whether that’s setting out your work clothes, tidying your workspace, or creating a simple to-do list. When the morning arrives, you’ll feel more in control and ready to start the day.

If you’ve already returned, it’s not too late to implement this tip. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day planning for the next. A little preparation can significantly reduce those feelings of being overwhelmed.

2.⁠ ⁠Ease Yourself In
It can be tempting to jump straight back into the deep end, but it’s important to pace yourself. Prioritise your tasks and tackle them one step at a time. I like to start with something small and achievable to build momentum before addressing the bigger challenges.

Give yourself permission to take regular breaks throughout the day – even short pauses to stretch, breathe, or make a cup of tea can help reset your focus and reduce stress.

3.⁠ ⁠Maintain Work-Life Balance
The festive break often reminds us of the importance of enjoying life outside of work. Carry that mindset into the new year. Instead of letting work consume your time and energy, make space for the things you love. Whether it’s going for a walk, spending time with loved ones, or continuing a hobby you enjoyed during the holidays, maintaining balance is key.

Remember, success isn’t just about what you achieve at work. Personal achievements – like improving your fitness, nurturing relationships, or learning something new – are equally valuable.

4.⁠ ⁠Look After Your Body and Mind
Taking care of yourself is essential during this transition. I always encourage clients to move their bodies in ways that feel good, whether that’s a gentle stretch, a walk outdoors, or a yoga session. Even small bursts of activity can make a difference to how we feel mentally.

Meditation is another great tool. If you’re new to it, start small – just a few minutes focusing on your breath can help calm your mind. Apps and guided videos are excellent resources if you’re unsure where to begin.

5.⁠ ⁠Practice Gratitude and Reflection
A helpful exercise I use myself is journaling about what I’m grateful for and reflecting on my goals. Writing down even a few positive moments from your day can shift your perspective and help you focus on what’s going well.

6.⁠ ⁠Set Boundaries
Finally, don’t be afraid to set boundaries. It’s okay to say no or to ask for more time on a task if you need it. Protecting your energy and ensuring you’re not overloading yourself is vital for maintaining your mental health.

Returning to work doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. By approaching this period with a sense of balance and care, we can ease back into our routines and set ourselves up for a positive start to 2025. Remember, small adjustments can make a big difference, and your wellbeing is worth prioritising every step of the way.

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