Managing your after-vacation workload

You get two weeks of vacation a year, but your workload stays the same. That means your Zen-like state following that restful stretch in Maui is erased by the mountain of work you face in the weeks following your return. Which leaves you wondering: Is a vacation even a thing anymore?

Vacations provide an opportunity to step away from the daily grind, reflect and recharge in ways that benefit both our personal and professional lives. For many, these breaks have become essential pit stops along our career paths, providing much-needed relief before we dive back into our responsibilities.

How to manage work stress after a vacation

Returning to an overwhelming workload after vacation can throw you right back into a state of mental fatigue, but Alicia E. Ayala Laconich, PhD, a psychologist with Baptist Behavioral Health, has a few tips to help you get your tasks back under control.

"There isn't a magic pill to improve your cognitive function," said Dr. Laconich. "By using your energy wisely and making a few simple changes to your routine, you can make your return to work after a vacation much smoother, reduce stress, and maintain your mental sharpness."

1. Ease back in. Your brain needs time to adjust to complex tasks after vacation. Start with lighter, simpler tasks on your first day or two back. Schedule important meetings or intensive work for later in the week.
2. Avoid multitasking. Attempting to take on more than a single task at once can lead to decreased efficiency and increased stress, making it harder to regain your focus and productivity after a break.
3. Take short breaks throughout your day. Brief breaks can help refresh your mind, boost your energy and reduce mistakes. This could be as simple as walking around, stretching or closing your eyes and focusing on your senses.
4. Optimize your sleep. Sleep is crucial for memory, managing emotions, and overall mental function. Poor sleep can greatly reduce your productivity.
5. Schedule time for relaxation, eat a healthy diet and exercise. Even though you’re playing catch-up, you’ll work more efficiently if you practice healthy habits for the body, mind and spirit. Even choosing certain snacks, such as berries, walnuts, coffee, dark chocolate or bananas, can help boost your brain power as you dive back into work.

For some people, it might not always be possible or beneficial to entirely unplug while out of office. Each person is different, but it’s important to realize that some people may wind up feeling more overwhelmed than they can manage if they completely disconnect while on vacation.

“If disconnecting entirely is causing you to stress more, consider setting aside specific times during your vacation to check in on important messages,” said Dr. Laconich. “This balanced approach lets you handle immediate concerns without sacrificing your peace of mind, helping to reduce that familiar post-vacation anxiety about returning to work.”