Vacations are a glorious, much-needed, brain reset. But sometimes it can be tricky getting back into the work zone after the holidays.

Here are five of my top tips for easing yourself back into teaching mode after vacation: 

1. Check your emails

Checking your inbox and combing through your emails is a great place to start. It’s a chance to get organized and familiarize yourself with current tasks, sort out your calendar, delete old emails, and get started on a "to-do" list.

2. Chat with colleagues

Whether your colleagues have been working throughout summer or your team has been sharing the same vacation schedule, reconnecting over a warm beverage always feels good.

Exchanging vacation tales and workplace news also helps build relationships and strengthens workplace connections. 

The conversation will inevitably lead to chatting about upcoming deadlines, agendas, and meetings. This allows your brain to naturally get back into work mode. 

3. Tidy your desktop

Returning from vacation can be the perfect time to clean up your overcrowded desktop.

Sorting out piles of papers in your workspace or folders on your computer often unveils hidden treasures. You may find that long forgotten activities and worksheets re-emerge, serendipitously, effortlessly preparing your classes for you—all with the added bonus of a tidy desk!

4. Sign up for continuous professional development

Continuous professional development (CPD) can help get your brain back into teaching mode. 

Search online or check social media for interesting courses. Another easy way to keep learning and to stay on top of teaching trends and best practices is to read blog posts, watch videos, or sign up for a webinar or event. 

5. Search for ideas

Preparing for your classes will probably be one of your top priorities.

If you’re not sure where to start, try browsing the Ellii website for ideas. Explore their Discover page (found under Materials in the navigation bar) to view a wide assortment of trending lessons and teaching ideas.