4 Ways to Make Sure You Come Back From Holidays Well Rested

The festive season may be behind us, but your social calendar might still be full with all the people you promised to catch up with in the new year. While the past few weeks were likely filled with fun and friends, we've all experienced that moment on the first day back at work, feeling more drained than when the holidays began.

So, while it can be tempting to go all out and keep indulging in parties, socializing and general shenanigans, we recommend keeping a few of these strategies up your sleeve to ensure you come back from your break well-rested, refreshed and ready for a wonderful 2025.

Set social boundaries

While holidays are generally a time we’re averse to sticking to strict schedules, it’s a good idea to pop all your parties in your calendar so you can make sure you fill your empty slots with things that fill your cup. That might be blocking out some time to read your book in a cozy nook, trying a new recipe or doing a creative project. Big or small, it’s all about making sure to give back to yourself so you don’t end up socially depleted.

The same approach applies when you're back at work. You won't have the same time or energy to maintain that level of activity, so ease back into your routine by limiting social commitments until you feel balanced and in control.

Digital detox

It’s almost become standard practice to show off your holiday snaps, cute festive outfits and home-cooked meals on Instagram in real-time, but think about setting some boundaries around social media. While everyone’s out and about, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being glued to your screen and obsessed with what others are doing.

Social media is great for staying connected, but it can also lead to unhappiness as it encourages constant comparison to your peers. It’s not a no-go, but try and use features of your phone like setting time limits on daily social media usage to let you live in the present and enjoy your own holiday, not someone else’s.

If you didn't go sans social media during your break, don't stress. The first week or two back at work is the perfect time to unplug. It’ll help you refocus, recentre, and avoid FOMO from seeing others still on holiday!

Alcohol-free days

While we're the first to put our hands up for a champagne, drinking every day throughout the holidays isn’t sustainable – or healthy. We know that alcohol often leads to a poor night’s sleep and the cumulative effect of a string of bad nights will have you yawning at your desk the first week back.

See what works for you, but follow health guidelines around recommended consumption and think about committing to some alcohol-free days throughout the holidays. Your body will thank you, and who knows, you might even wake up with enough energy to go on that yoga class you’ve been meaning to.

Ditch the all-or-nothing attitude

It’s tempting to fall into the all-or-nothing trap around the holidays of having one indulgent meal, drink, or day and writing off any intentions of eating or drinking in a balanced way from there onwards. But, just because you had one indulgent lunch, doesn’t mean you can’t have a nourishing dinner.

Pre-holiday, stock up on some reliable nutritious staples that you know you can whip into a healthy meal quickly, like eggs, frozen veg and sourdough. Your microbiome changes within just 48 hours of eating less nutritious choices, so try to keep a balanced approach and mix some healthy choices in there alongside the treats. Come the first day back at work, your body will thank you!

After the holidays, try meal prepping the day before you return to work. If your festive season was less than healthy, a steady routine can help you reintroduce nutritious meals, boosting your energy and revitalising you for the season ahead.

Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.