by Doreen Martel

Created on: December 30, 2008

If you're one of the thousands who was fortunate enough to have time off over the holidays, it's finally time to start thinking about buckling down and getting back to work. It's not easy, you've got to prepare yourself not just physically but mentally to get yourself back into the 'work' mode. For some of us, this is more challenging - especially if you happen to be a freelancer. But, regardless of whether you are a brick and mortar employee or you work for yourself there are some things you can do to prepare yourself to get back to work.

A) Set your alarm - If you've had a few days off you probably took advantage of them by sleeping in. At least one (1) day before you have to go back to work, set your alarm and get up at your 'normal' work time;

B) Relax - This might sound a little silly since you're coming off a vacation but it's really a necessity. Stop and think about how much time you have spent during your vacation just doing 'nothing' and I would be willing to bet that in reality it's very little time at all. Treat yourself! Take at least one hour to do absolutely nothing - don't watch television, don't read a book, just be a couch potato for one hour and revive yourself;

C) Go for a walk - Yes, go for a walk - that will help rejuvenate you and also help clear your mind. Walking can help you mentally prepare yourself for the challenge of getting back to work;

D) Call a friend - Call a friend who you didn't get to see while you were on vacation and go and have lunch. This will be one less thing that will be on your mind when you do get back to work!

Now, you've got to do a few things that will actually get your mind into the 'work' mode. So, start this way:

A) Think about what tasks you were doing just before you went on vacation. Where any things left unfinished? If so make yourself a note to remind yourself what that task was. Take just 20 minutes and list out the steps to make sure it's complete;

B) Check your email - If you have access to your work email at home, take 30 minutes and review all the items that are sitting in your email box the day before you're due to return to work. This will help you prepare yourself mentally for the day ahead;

C) Prepare 3-4 meals ahead and put them in the freezer to be taken out in the morning before you leave for work! This will help because during those first few days back you're probably going to be exhausted when you come home!

With a little pre-planning and a little bit of pampering of yourself you'll be ready to get back to work and have a great time at it. Remember, anything you can do to relieve the stress of returning to work after a holiday vacation will help make the transition easier.

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