Extend that holiday feeling

Leave work on time

Other people in your office may still be in cruise mode, but if you get to work on time and put in a solid effort for the hours that you’re there, you should be able to leave on time.

Aim to tick off important tasks as early in the day as possible and try to finish any crucial work at least an hour before you’re due to leave (otherwise your work will creep into overtime the minute you get an unexpected phone call or an urgent email). That means that come 5pm, you can head out into the sunshine – without taking work home.

The more you can leave your work at work, without having it overtake the rest of your life, the longer that holiday feeling will hang around.

If you find you have so much work on your plate that you have to do overtime to complete it, and you know you're not slacking off and spending three hours a day in the lunchroom, talk to your boss. Let them know you're enjoying the work but want to be clear about priorities so you can be as productive as possible.

This can be a difficult topic to bring up, especially if your office has a culture where most people work late, but it can be easier if you remind yourself it's good for everyone: You get to have a life outside of work, and your company gets a more refreshed, more productive version of you. Remember, those who work long hours don't necessarily get more done.

Get outdoors

You may be back at work, but at least it’s still light when you get home. It can be easy to just curl up on the couch until you’re hungry enough to cook dinner, but spending more time outdoors will help you feel energised during the day and sleep better at night.

Make the most of daylight savings and go for an evening walk, or head to the park on your lunch break.

Read more about the benefits of nature here.

Take a weekend break

Prolong that relaxed holiday feeling by planning a weekend away. Pick somewhere that won’t take too long to get to so you spend less time travelling and more time chilling out at your destination.

If you can’t go away physically, try having a ‘staycation’ weekend, where you stay home but do all the things you love to do on holiday. Leave the chores for a weekday and head out to explore your area, or take a good book to the beach.

Throw a party

The festive season may be over, but even if the stream of invitations has slowed, you can still throw your own party. Invite friends around for a potluck dinner or a wine and cheese night, or if you’re feeling more ambitious you can pick a theme and decorate accordingly.

Take breaks at work

Sitting in front of a computer all day under artificial lights is an easy way to feel drained. Get up every hour or so to refill your water bottle or just walk around the office to get your circulation going.

Then when your lunch break rolls around, head outside instead and take time to enjoy your food rather than inhaling it while sitting at your desk.

Have something to look forward to

Even if you love your work, the thought of not having another decent break until next December is pretty bleak.

Planning in advance is the key – if everything’s organised well ahead of time you’re less likely to find the process stressful, and you can enjoy the feelings of anticipation.

Unplug

Internet surfing and constantly checking your mobile takes up a lot of time – time you could be spending on more rewarding activities. Try designating one evening a week to switch your phone and laptop off and do something that doesn’t involve technology.

Make a list ahead of time of things you might like to do, so you’re not sitting there staring at a wall (unless that’s your idea of fun). You could pull out your yoga mat, go for a walk, bake some healthy homemade treats, pamper yourself, read a book, meditate or write in a journal. You might also want to use this night to catch up with friends.

Without technology to suck up the hours, you’ll find the evening seems to stretch on forever – leaving you feeling relaxed and refreshed. As an added bonus, by not staring at a screen you’ll likely have a better night’s sleep.

Treat yourself

Avoid that feeling of all work and no play by booking in some time to yourself. Get a massage, paint your nails or take yourself out for a smoothie. It doesn’t matter what you choose to do, so long as you enjoy it. 

How to have your healthiest weekend ever.