Back in the UAE and already missing vacation? 9 ways to slide back into work without crying

Sigh, just yesterday, you were sitting in London’s lavender fields. Today, you’re back at your desk, morosely clearing out emails, replying to people, and almost wishing that you had missed your flight back home.

Hold up, you might want to stop yourself from checking flight prices for your next trip. That’s a rabbit hole, we can tell you from experience.

First of all, cut yourself some slack and ease into work gently — you’re not a productivity robot (yet). Switching from vacation vibes to work mode takes serious energy, especially if your sleep schedule got a little… flexible while you were away.

No matter how overwhelming your to-do list looks, promise yourself this: Don’t burn the midnight oil on day one, keep your lunch breaks untouched, and sprinkle in short breaks to recharge. If your schedule allows, why not ease back with a shorter week? Starting on Wednesday means fewer days before the weekend hits — and you will dodge the brutal Sunday night blues that way.

So, here are 9 steps on how you can ease back yourself into work ( as much as you hate it).

Start slow and accept the lag

Don’t expect to jump straight into beast mode. Give yourself a day to catch up on emails, calendar invites, and the mystery of ‘why is my chair lower than I left it?’

Prioritise

List out what’s urgent versus what just feels urgent. Tackle one major thing first, not ten. Bonus: Crossing off tasks is strangely satisfying and slightly addictive.

Block calendar time to reorient

Give yourself a couple of “meeting-free” hours to review what you missed. You’re not ignoring your colleagues. You’re protecting your peace.

Unpack your inbox slowly

Sort by sender or topic. Flag what matters. Delete newsletters you’ll never read. And remember: not every “urgent” email needs an immediate response.

Bring vacation energy with you

Yes, you’re back in fluorescent lighting, but that doesn’t mean the joy dies here. Use your lunch break wisely, take a walk, or wear that breezy shirt you bought in Bali.

Plan a micro-reward

Give yourself something to look forward to midweek, an iced coffee run, a guilt-free scroll break, or a movie night.

Don’t avoid meetings, just ease into them

Join one or two low-stakes ones first. Turn your camera on. Speak in full sentences.

Hydrate, move, breathe

It’s the classic trio. Holidays often involve excess — now’s the time for balance (and at least one green vegetable).

Reflect, don’t regret

Don’t doom-scroll old vacation photos thinking “I should’ve stayed.” Instead, ask: What made me feel relaxed? Can I bring some of that into daily life?