The holiday season is officially over. You’ve said goodbye to your loved ones with whom you reconnected for a visit, and it’s time to start taking down the decorations. It’s also time to head back to work.

No matter how wonderful your holiday experience, it is seriously disruptive to your workplace routine. If you find yourself disengaged and lethargic, you aren’t alone. Luckily, there are things you can do to help you get back into the groove, letting you start out 2017 the right way.

It isn’t uncommon to let your workout routine slide a bit during the holiday season. But exercise can help you fight off those post-holiday blues and help you get back into a positive mindset. So reunite with your morning run, or join a new fitness class to shake things up. You can even do quick bursts of activity throughout your day, like taking the stairs a little bit faster or finding exercises you can do at your desk.

Another area that often goes off the rails during the holidays is your diet. While many people begin New Year’s resolutions focused on losing weight, it is more important to make sure you are giving your body what it needs to function at its best. A poor quality diet, no matter the number of calories, can harm productivity and have a negative impact on motivation, mood, and your ability to concentrate. Make an effort to eat a healthy variety of foods and mind your caloric intake for better results.

Our memories are funny things, and you can use that to your advantage. Taking some time to remember your holiday can actually work to your benefit. As we reminisce about certain experiences, our minds tend to embellish, and that can actually make you happier. So don’t be afraid to take a few moments for reflection, as the mood boost can make it time well spent.

Distractions and interruptions can wreak havoc on your productivity, especially if you are working without a plan. As you return to work, the first thing you should do is develop a plan for your week. Create a schedule (one for work and one personal) and make sure to prioritize your tasks.

Also, leave a bit of wiggle room within the tasks. Even if you can limit distractions and interruptions, something will likely come along that needs to be put in front of other tasks. By giving yourself room to adjust, you can shift your schedule without making your workday unmanageable.

While there is no magic wand for achieving the perfect state of work-life balance, it is important to build in time for yourself and what you enjoy doing. So, while you are creating your schedule, make sure to include some time for you and your family. Schedule social time like any other calendar appointment, or sign yourself up for a class that is just for fun. And, once something is planned, treat it like any other important appointment by not moving it unless there is truly an emergency.

We all know that taking a vacation can feel great, but it has mood-boosting benefits beyond the time you are off work. In fact, the act of planning a holiday or vacation can improve your mood for weeks before you actually head out the door. And, you don’t have to plan big trips for it to work. Consider something as simple as a long weekend adventure and start adding money to your vacation fund. You may find that anticipating your next holiday actually makes it easier to get back into your workplace groove.

Sometimes it isn’t the post-holiday mindset that is affecting your motivation; it could be the realization that your current job isn’t really for you. If you find yourself longing for a change of pace, The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us today and see if a new job is the ticket to a better 2017.