Why That Holiday Feeling?
Have you ever noticed that the first few days of a holiday feel longer, fuller, and more alive? You’re immersed in new places, connecting with people, and soaking in unfamiliar experiences. Time feels expansive. You’re not just existing – you’re present.
But by the end of the break, those last couple of days seem to vanish, and soon your thoughts turn to work, routine, and responsibilities.
Sound familiar?
That heightened, joyful awareness you feel on holiday? It’s mindfulness in action – often unwittingly optimised simply by stepping into a new, stimulating environment. You’re alert, curious, and mentally refreshed. This mental state is profoundly relaxing and energising. It’s what we call “the holiday feeling.”
The good news? You don’t have to leave that feeling behind.
With a few intentional strategies, you can bring those uplifting vibes into your everyday work life – keeping your energy high, your mind clear, and your wellbeing intact.
🎵 Need a little help getting into the right headspace? Start by setting the tone with a soundtrack that takes you straight back to those carefree holiday moments.
Try the “Holiday Vibes – Vocal Deep House Summer Chill Out Mix 2018” below.
It’s the perfect musical backdrop for a walk through the park, a mindful coffee break, or even your morning commute — a gentle reminder that relaxation isn’t just for when you’re out of office.
Now, let’s dive into the strategies that’ll help you stay in that holiday state of mind…
Strategy 1: Be Present — On Purpose
Let’s be honest – work routines, deadlines, and meetings can be holiday spoilers. But here’s the twist: the power to interrupt that cycle lies in your mindset.
To feel more alive at work, inject novelty and presence into your day. Why? Novelty stimulates dopamine, the motivation and pleasure neurotransmitter, which boosts mental alertness and satisfaction.
Try this:
🚶♂️ Switch up your commute: Get off public transport a stop early and walk a different route, or cycle part of the way through a scenic area.
☕ Schedule micro-escapes: Find local cafés or outdoor spaces for your breaks. Read a book. Listen to music. Take a moment just for you.
🧑🤝🧑 Social snapshots: Plan short, relaxed catch-ups with colleagues to chat about life outside of work. Social connection builds oxytocin, which improves mood and reduces stress.
🎧 Pro tip: Take a walk with a playlist that makes you feel like you’re back on holiday. (Yes, you can walk into a meeting with “Island in the Sun” stuck in your head.)
Strategy 2: Take Control with Timeboxing
Want to maximise productivity and still feel like a whole human being? Use timeboxing.
Timeboxing is a time management technique where you assign fixed time slots to tasks – and just as importantly, to rest and recharge.
💡 According to research by Nir Eyal, author of Indistractable, timeboxing not only increases focus, but reduces stress by creating structure and boundaries for your day.
Start by noticing when your energy dips – then build in proactive, pleasurable breaks:
🍽️ Eat lunch outdoors.
🚶 Block 20-minute afternoon walks in nature (or city parks, if you’re in the urban jungle).
🧘 Use low-energy times for meditation or light reading.
Also, protect your high-performance windows by communicating with your team. Let them know when you’re in “deep focus” mode – and make it non-negotiable.
Strategy 3: Schedule Worry — Don’t Let It Steal Your Day
Yes, you read that right. Schedule your stress.
Chronic workplace stress hijacks our cognitive bandwidth, leading to reduced creativity, decision fatigue, and even burnout (American Psychological Association, 2023).
To counter this, try a technique called “worry time”:
Choose a fixed 10-15 minute slot in your day to process concerns.
During this time, write down your worries or explore solutions.
Outside this window, practice redirecting your attention to the task or experience at hand.
Research shows that compartmentalising worry improves focus, reduces anxiety, and helps you respond rather than react throughout your day.
The Holiday Mindset is a Skill — Not a Destination
You don’t have to book a flight to feel free, inspired, or relaxed. By creating intentional moments of novelty, presence, rest, and emotional control, you can carry that “holiday feeling” with you throughout your work life.
When you integrate these strategies, you’re not just increasing wellbeing — you’re also improving your performance, deepening your relationships, and enhancing your sense of purpose at work.
And the best part? You’ll feel better doing it.
📣 Want Support Embedding These Habits?
💬 Talk to our team at Get Mentally Fit.
We work with individuals and teams to build the kind of mental fitness that fuels sustainable performance, wellbeing, and personal growth.
🔗 Get in Touch today or explore our Mental Fitness Solutions for practical tools to bring your best self to work – all year round.
👉 And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn or subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of this page for more strategies like this.
You’ve got this – and we’ve got you.
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