I have tried all extremes in the spectrum of "start getting on track while returning" to leave a few days buffer.
Both have pros and cons.
While on the relaxed side of the spectrum, you tend to enjoy things more, relate holidays with stress free activities, but it usually takes more to speed up and the first days back have high lazy mood.
On the other side you start working in the first possible timeslot, you speed up easier but your mood is not great initially.
I tend to think that doing expedient stuff upon my return is the best way to mix the best of both worlds.
I usually start with something I enjoy and is not over-complicated, maybe: do some refactor, fix some silly bugs...
Also if there is a possibility to work remote I usually work a couple of days at home before getting back to the real deal, this helps me a lot.
Other stuff that helps me:
PD: Can I ask what methods you have tried?
I have tried all extremes in the spectrum of "start getting on track while returning" to leave a few days buffer.
Both have pros and cons.
While on the relaxed side of the spectrum, you tend to enjoy things more, relate holidays with stress free activities, but it usually takes more to speed up and the first days back have high lazy mood.
On the other side you start working in the first possible timeslot, you speed up easier but your mood is not great initially.
I tend to think that doing expedient stuff upon my return is the best way to mix the best of both worlds.
I agree with this!