Holidays are a time to rest, recharge, and step away from the usual pressures of working life. Whether you’ve been abroad enjoying the sunshine or simply taken time at home to relax, that pause is an important part of maintaining balance and wellbeing.
But when the holiday comes to an end, many of us face the same challenge: how do we shift from holiday mode back into the structure and pace of work? The first few days back can feel overwhelming — emails are waiting, tasks have built up, and the sudden change of routine can be a shock to the system.
At Concept Occupational Health, we understand how this transition can affect both employees and employers. A difficult return can leave staff stressed and disengaged, while a positive, well-managed return helps boost energy, focus, and productivity. To help make your re-entry smoother, here are five practical tips to carry that refreshed holiday mindset into your working life.
1. Prioritise & Pace Yourself
One of the most stressful parts of returning to work is facing a mountain of tasks and emails. It’s tempting to dive straight in and try to clear everything as quickly as possible — but this can cause unnecessary stress and exhaustion.
Instead, take time to prioritise. Identify the most important or time-sensitive tasks first and focus your energy there. Emails can be dealt with in batches, and not everything needs an immediate reply. By pacing yourself, you’ll work more efficiently and avoid burning out in your first couple of days back.
2. Rebuild Your Routine Gradually
After days or weeks of a slower pace, later mornings, and a break from your usual schedule, it’s unrealistic to expect yourself to be back at full speed immediately. And that’s okay.
Be gentle with yourself and rebuild your routine step by step. Use the first week back to get into the flow again — perhaps by setting smaller, achievable goals each day, planning your diary to include breathing space, and gradually re-establishing your normal working rhythm. By giving yourself time, you’ll reduce stress and set yourself up for a stronger, more productive return.
3. Take Short Breaks
Holidays remind us of the value of rest and recovery, but it’s easy to forget this lesson once we’re back at our desks. Long, uninterrupted hours can drain concentration and leave you feeling mentally fatigued.
Short breaks throughout the day are incredibly effective. Even five minutes away from your screen to stretch, drink water, or take a short walk can reset your energy and help you refocus. Think of breaks as part of your productivity strategy, not a luxury — they give your brain and body the reset needed to work at your best.
4. Keep Holiday Habits Alive
Often on holiday, we naturally fall into healthier routines — more movement, better food, earlier nights, or simply more time outdoors. Yet these good habits often disappear as soon as we’re back at work.
The return is the perfect opportunity to bring some of those holiday habits into your everyday life. Could you fit in a short walk at lunchtime? Prepare meals that remind you of holiday freshness? Prioritise sleep in the evenings? These small changes help maintain the wellbeing boost of your break and prevent the post-holiday slump.
5. Connect with Colleagues
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of connection. Coming back to work isn’t just about catching up with tasks — it’s also about reconnecting with people.
Take time to chat with colleagues, share holiday stories, and ease back into team life. Not only does this create a positive atmosphere, but it also helps you feel supported and re-engaged. Returning to work alongside others, rather than feeling isolated, can make the transition much more enjoyable.
The end of a holiday doesn’t have to mean the end of balance and wellbeing. By pacing yourself, rebuilding routines, taking breaks, keeping healthy habits alive, and connecting with others, you can make your return to work a positive experience — one that benefits both you and your organisation.
At Concept Occupational Health, we support employees and employers through every stage of the working journey. From helping individuals manage absence and return with confidence, to providing practical workplace solutions like ergonomic assessments, health checks, and tailored advice, our goal is always the same: to keep people well at work.
So as you return from your break, remember: with the right mindset and the right support, you can carry that holiday energy with you — long after the suitcase is unpacked.
