Every year, we rush to finish the most important work before the holiday season. As the year ends, we sigh with relief and finally relax.

While the holiday break is an excellent opportunity to rest, it can be tough to get back to work when it’s over. Lack of motivation is a common problem faced by law firms at the beginning of the year. How can you get back on track after the holidays? Let’s discuss a few simple yet highly effective methods.

1. Have Realistic Expectations

Coming back to work after the holiday break is tough. Be ready for it. Don’t expect everything to go smoothly the moment you return to the office. When you accept that you’ve got a tough week ahead, you can have an easier time dealing with it.

2. Make a Plan

Motivation isn’t like inspiration. Don’t wait for it to come out of nowhere. Start with a plan. This could be a plan for the upcoming week, the next month or the entire year – whatever helps you return to the flow.
Taking things one step at a time is a great way to start a tough day.

3. Get back to healthy habits

We’re all guilty of overindulging over the holiday period, but now that you’re back in the swing of things, make sure you return to healthy habits and stick to them.
This can be as simple as starting the day with a healthy breakfast, getting a good sleep each night, and taking some regular exercise. Let your body know that you are back to normal life.

4. Reward Yourself

Immersing yourself into work-related problems the second you enter the office is commendable but could lead to a quick burnout.
Come up with a way to reward yourself for excellent work during the first week after the break. This could be a few rounds of golf, a shopping spree, or a Friday night dinner out with friends.

5. Enjoy the Process

The first few days after the break are always a little slower than the rest of the year. Try to dive into the work process and enjoy it. After all, there is a reason you’re here in the first place – you love what you do.
Show everyone that the process is rewarding, and you’ll have an easier time believing it.

6. Ask for Help or Delegate

If returning to the normal pace seems to be tougher than you expected, don’t hesitate to ask for help. If you are overwhelmed with work on your return, there must be someone around who has some free time.
Delegation is the key to success. Especially, when you feel a lack of motivation after the holidays.

Final Thoughts

Starting work after the break with a bad mood could lead to serious consequences, such as botched deadlines, unhappy clients and confused co-workers. How well you approach this time of the year can have a big impact on how the rest of your year unfolds. Use the above tips to stay on top of your game.