Dreading going back to work after the holidays? You’re not alone. Getting back into the swing of things can be challenging, especially when you’re returning from an out-of-this-world vacation.

Fortunately, taking the time to prepare yourself can help you kick-start your year primed for success. Here are a few ways to get your body and mind ready for a smooth transition.

1. Take it one step at a time

Don’t rush into getting back into the flow of work; you’ve just come from holiday. Jumping straight into work mode can be a shock to the system. Ideally, you should save a day or two of your holiday to re-energise yourself and prepare mentally before heading back into the workspace. You have a whole year ahead of you, so start it the right way.

2. Get your office space set up

A work-friendly space in your home is important to support your productivity. Creating a checklist of all your needs and supplies is a good starting point. Some things to consider:

• Raise your monitor/laptop. Your eyes should align with the top of your screen to avoid hunching over. No stand? Use a stack of books instead.
• Create support for your back. Your seating posture can leave you with back problems. Use a pillow or rolled up towel to create support for your back.
• Declutter and organise. Working in an organised, clean and decluttered space reduces work anxiety. Gather cables up and file loose documents to clear your desk.
• Spruce it up. Make your workspace pleasant. Add an aroma diffuser to freshen the air, or bring in a pot plant to add some life to your space.

3. Create a routine

For some it’s ‘back to the office’, while for others it’s ‘back to working from home’.

If you’re working from home, take advantage of the time you would have spent commuting to the office.

• Make time to journal. It’s a great way to connect with and check up on yourself.
• Be more active. Join a fitness club like the Nike Training Club, fit in a YouTube workout or take a walk before you start the day.
• Make an effort. Take a shower, dress up – even if it’s just business at the top and sweatpants at the bottom – and put on some make-up.

If you’re at the office:

• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is important. Water introduces additional oxygen to the brain, which helps you stay awake. Also, not drinking enough water can affect the quality of your sleep, which can result in you starting your morning off on the wrong foot.
• Check your priorities. Plan your workday by allocating time to your tasks accordingly. Start with the easier tasks to get you going – ticking them off is so satisfying!
• Stay safe. Keep in mind that you’re sharing a space with other people. We know the routine by now, so wear your mask, wash your hands and keep a safe social distance.

4. Meal preparations

Planning, preparing and portioning your meals is one of the most effective ways to keep your grocery budget in check. By following these tips, you’ll get the hang of meal prep:

• Make it basic. Choose a few of your favourite foods to eat. The less time it takes to prepare them, the better.
• Use achievable recipes. As a start, select straightforward recipes. For inspiration, Pinterest is a good place to begin.
• Set aside time. Dedicate time over the weekend to preparing your meals.
• Have fun. Play some music in the background, and you can even rope the kids in to help and make it a bonding session.