Back to Work: Small Moves That Bust You Out of a Work Rut
Remember that back-to-school feeling? Fresh notebooks, new pens, maybe even a new pair of shoes? Suddenly everything felt possible. I had that feeling this past week as we sent our oldest off to college for the first time. The excitement of the new. The new friends, new experiences, new learnings. Sure, we’re not stocking up on Trapper Keepers anymore, but we can use this season as a refresh our work lives.
Summer has a way of throwing us off our groove. Long weekends, half-empty offices, and that “Circle back after vacation” mindset can leave us spinning. If you’re heading into fall feeling like your days are on rinse-and-repeat, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need a major life overhaul to get unstuck. Sometimes it just takes a few small shifts to snap you out of the rut.
Here are some “back-to-work” moves to try:
Give Your Desk a New Backpack Energy
I've been working from home for the past year and haven't really done much to my "home office". I'm getting the itch to redecorate. Fresh wallpaper maybe? If you don't want to go full HGTV you can still freshen things up. Clear out old papers, swap your Zoom background, or add one fun new thing to your desk. It’s amazing how a small change cues your brain for a fresh start.
Rewrite Your Schedule Like a Class Timetable
Instead of cramming your calendar full, try structuring your day like school periods. Block off focus time, break time, and “study hall” (aka catch-up time). A little structure makes the day feel purposeful instead of endless.
Pick a Subject to Dive In To
Remember when you had a favorite class that made school more bearable? Do the same at work. Pick one skill or project you actually want to learn or improve this season. I'm signing up for a project management course to freshen up my skills and also checking out some skill share courses about AI in Video.
Do a Locker Clean-Out
Ruts thrive in clutter. Delete the files you don’t need, archive those 4,000 emails (ok I have more than that) you’ll never read, and clean out that junk drawer. A clean slate = fresh energy.
Recess Still Counts
No one’s going to ring a bell and send you outside, but you can give yourself permission to step away. A quick walk, a stretch, or even 10 minutes of listening to your favorite podcast is enough to reset your brain.
The Takeaway:
Think of this season as your mid-year “new year.” Just like the first day of school, it’s a chance to hit refresh, shake things up, and re-energize your routine. Small shifts now can bust you out of that work rut—and set you up for a stronger, more inspired fall.