The 'post-vacation paradox'

When you come back to work post-vacation, you might expect to feel recharged and ready to conquer that email inbox. But research indicates that you may feel exactly the opposite: "Call it the post-vacation paradox," Knight writes.

Leaving the freedom of vacation to return to the structure of your day-to-day life can feel jarring — even draining. Time off can also create downtime to reflect on stressors at work, which can ramp up anxiety about going back.

Vacations can also be exhausting themselves, and not just because of the logistics of travel. Ayelet Fishbach, professor at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, notes, "When you got a taste of a vacation but you didn't fully experience relaxation — you had to take work calls, or you weren't doing what you wanted to do, or you're a parent of young kids and spent all week running around after your children — you're hungry for more time-off."

5 ways to ease your post-vacation return to work

To reconnect with your work and regain momentum after a vacation, experts recommend:  

1. Softening your landing

"Coming back from vacation is a gigantic shock to the system," said Tessa West, a professor of psychology at New York University.

Sudden changes in routine are challenging for the body and mind, and setting realistic expectations for those early post-vacation days at work may help you adjust. Consider taking a few steps to give yourself mental space, like leaving a little extra time for your morning commute or scheduling more stressful meetings later in the week.

 2. Starting small

"You might be tempted to jolt yourself out of vacation mode by tackling the biggest, most annoying item on your to-do list upon your return, but this approach often backfires," Knight writes.

Rather than stressing out about bigger, tougher tasks the moment you get back, start with the smaller items on your to-do list — especially ones you can complete quickly and confidently. Also, avoid taking on too many additional projects within that first week, as it may leave you feeling stretched thin.

3. Focusing on work that you enjoy

It's easier to reconnect with work after some time off when it feels enjoyable. West recommends figuring out which elements of each task you find the most satisfying, and "tackle them based on your energy levels," Knight writes.

4. Shifting your perspective

Research shows that sometimes people struggle to feel that work and leisure can coexist, which can cause guilt and other negative emotions. Fishbach recommends figuring out which elements of work complement, or even benefit, your downtime activities.

5. Reassessing

If you're still struggling to focus after a couple of weeks at work, further reflection may be necessary. Think through your ambivalence and decide if you should begin exploring other options.

Returning to work from vacation can give anyone the blues. But research shows that the right strategy can help: Taking a little extra time to ease into tasks, focusing on what you enjoy, and changing your perception of work can all make the transition smoother. (Knight, Harvard Business Review, 7/9)

Writing for the New York Times, Cameron Walker shares seven expert-backed ways you can find motivation amid burnout and  post-pandemic challenges — or even just everyday slumps.