It’s a Wrap: Follow this pre-holiday routine to switch off and enjoy your Christmas.

Niamh Moynihan, Founder Better Workday

Whether planning a couple of days or weeks off this Christmas, time off from work gives you an opportunity to care for the other important things in your life, have fun, and rest. It allows you to return to work motivated and re-energised to tackle the year ahead.

But getting ready for some time off can be stressful when you have a lot going on at work. Tying up loose ends before you leave can be full-on, and it can be tempting to log in to work during your holidays.

Christmas is a time to take a break from emails, meetings and the neverending to-do list. And it’s the perfect opportunity to try my pre-holiday routine. That way, you can finish up anything you need to and plan for your first day back, so all you need to worry about is relaxing!

5 Workdays to Go - Getting the Routine Started

Review your to-do list and decide what action should be taken for each.

1. Are there any items which no longer add value and can be deleted?
2. What definitely needs to be done by you before your time off begins?
3. What can wait until you come back?

If the actions to be done exceed the time available, whose expectations do you need to manage?

2 Workdays to Go

Proactively plan your return to work by answering the following questions:

• What are the 2-3 things you must focus on when you return?
• When will you focus on that work?
• What can you do to prepare for this work in advance?

Schedule time into your calendar to work on these focus areas and feel more confident about your return to work after the break.

1 Workday to Go

Spend 15 minutes reflecting on the week that has just ended. Answer the following questions:

• What went well?
• What didn’t go well?
• What one thing can you do differently next year?

Before you finish work for the day, complete the holiday checklist.

1. Set up your out-of-office auto-reply on email.
2. Turn off your laptop and put it away.
3. Tidy your workspace.
4. Remove your work email and other apps from your phone. If it is a work phone, put it away with your laptop.
5. Walk away from your desk.
6. Put on your favourite Christmas song and shake off the workweek (optional!)

By following this simple pre-holiday routine, you can ensure a smooth transition into your time off and return to work with focus and renewed energy. Unplug, unwind, and enjoy your well-deserved break this Christmas!