The first day back from holiday break can be overwhelming: there are dozens (sometimes hundreds) of emails to read and reply to, projects to resume, and coworkers to check in with. As much as you can, plan for this melee by blocking off catch-up time in your calendar.
“Set expectations that you are back and available after that catch-up time,” says Scherwin. “This strategy doubles as a helpful way to give you breathing room while you’re on vacation so you feel less compelled to keep up every second of the day.”