How to Beat the Back-to-Work Blues and Tame Your Festive Hangover

After a few festive weeks of Netflix binge-watching sessions, prosecco-fuelled parties, long lie-ins, and non-stop grazing on leftovers, the back-to-work blues can be pretty hard to deal with.

Since being back to work I’ve enjoyed having something more to keep me busy each day and it’s great to see everyone again, I’ll admit I’ve had trouble settling back into the work week routine. I’ve been getting home and falling asleep on the settee in my pyjamas! And as the morning looms ever closer each evening, it’s not the thought of going back into the office that’s so miserable (in fact, I love my job!), it’s the realisation that the lazy lounging you’ve grown so accustomed to is about to be rudely interrupted by dreaded six o’clock alarms.

Nope, getting settled into a working routine again isn’t fun. So to ease the pain I’m sharing a few top tips that’ll help you sail through the first few weeks of 2017.

1: plan the perfect outfit

You may trudge into the office still daydreaming about snuggling under the duvet, but you can at least look the part by planning a killer outfit for your first day back.

Either rock up in a trusty old favourite or treat yourself to a new dress in the sales, so long as it makes you feel confident it’ll put you into the right mindset. For bonus points, lay it out the night before to save precious minutes getting ready in the morning.

2: add a mood-boosting finishing touch

To top off your power dressing prep, spritz yourself with a mood-enhancing fragrance before heading out the door.

If you didn’t get any gift sets this Christmas, browse an online perfume sale and treat yourself to one that brings up happy memories. The light and fresh Marc Jacobs Daisy always reminds me of sunny, summer days!

3: get your meal prep organised

A handful of Celebrations and half a chocolate Santa may have been seeing you through lazy days on the sofa, but for a productive working day they won’t cut it.

Make meal prep a focus for the coming year and plan some nutritious, energy-boosting packed lunches that’ll leave all your colleagues jealous. Plus, knowing there’s a healthy homemade soup waiting patiently for you will also make lunchtime come around much quicker.

4: get a good night’s sleep

Save the Gilmore Girls marathon till the weekend and force yourself to have an early night before getting back to work.

To feel properly refreshed in the morning, read a book or listen to some calming music until you fall asleep. Just don’t turn on the TV or start browsing Facebook on your phone, it’ll only keep you awake for longer.

5: give yourself something to look forward to

One of the best things about December is the huge number of festive parties filling your calendar and keeping you busy.

Give yourself something to look forward to by organising a weekend night out with friends or a big family dinner. Having another event to get all dolled up for is a great way to beat the January blues.