Hey there! Whether you’ve just returned from a fantastic vacation and feel like you need another one to recover, or you have a trip coming up and want to make sure your return to work is smoother than before, I’ve got some friendly tips for you.
Think of this as advice from a friend who’s been there, done that, and figured out a few tricks along the way. (And, because I don’t want to add to your already full plate, we’ll keep this short.)
Plan Before You Leave. Planning your return before you’ve left seems weird, but trust me, it helps get your head in the game. I’ve found that I can relax more knowing I’ve got an idea of how to re-enter. Here are three I love:
- Wrap-Up Loose Ends: Try to complete any major tasks before you head out. This will help reduce the workload you’ll face when you return.
- Set an Out-of-Office Message: Let your colleagues and clients know you’ll be away and specify when you’ll return. This will help manage their expectations and reduce your stress upon returning.
- Delegate Tasks: Assign tasks to team members who can handle them while you’re gone, ensuring work continues smoothly in your absence.
On Your First Day Back. You’re back. You’ve unpacked (hopefully) and even caught up on laundry.
- BEFORE Leaving Home. Take 3 to 5 minutes to center yourself. Use four-corner breathing or listen to calming music or healing sounds. Slow your internal clock. You’ll love yourself for doing this.
- Start with a Clean Slate: Arrive early to organize your workspace and mentally prepare for the day. If you face a pile of mail, folders, or other items on your desk or workspace, scan through them quickly. Separate into stacks – today, tomorrow, or perhaps recycle.
- Prioritize Your Inbox: Quickly scan through emails, flagging important ones and deleting spam. Focus on the critical or urgent matters first. You don’t have to “fix” problems. Just acknowledge you’ve read the message and when you reply (if necessary).
- Set Realistic Goals: Create a short goal list for the first day back, focusing on manageable actions that link to your priority areas. Then, ease into the work routine.
Reconnect with Colleagues. Your team will be waiting for your return. Some will not have time for a quick chat, and others will want your immediate assistance. Remember, they did fine while you were away. Another few hours to intentionally get up to speed will benefit everyone.
- Check-In Meetings: Schedule brief catch-up meetings for the first couple of days back in the office. First, meet with your team to get updates on ongoing projects and any changes that occurred while you were away. Then, meet with clients or other partners.
- Share Vacation Highlights: Sharing a few fun stories or photos from your trip can help you reconnect personally and make your return more enjoyable.
Take Care of Yourself
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper nutrition and hydration can help combat post-vacation fatigue. Bring healthy items from home so you don’t grab the first thing available when the hangry moment arrives.
- Take Breaks: Don’t push yourself too hard on the first day. (Honestly, this is good counsel whether or not you’ve been on vacation.) Short breaks can help you stay focused and energized.
- Ease Back into Your Routine: Start with lighter tasks and gradually move to more complex projects as you regain your work rhythm. This is not a permission slip to skip the complex, just an encouragement to break it down into manageable tasks.
Reflect and Plan Ahead
- Evaluate Your Workflow: Use this time to reflect on your productivity and identify any improvements for the future.
- Plan Your Next Vacation: Even if you haven’t planned another vacation yet, block out time on your calendar for when you’d like to take a break. Revisiting this process over time can make returning from a vacation or break more enjoyable.
Conclusion
By planning and taking small, intentional steps when you return, you can ease back into work without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you’ve just returned from a vacation or are planning one, these tips can help make your transition smoother and more enjoyable.
Remember, it’s about finding a balance that allows you to be productive while caring for yourself.
What are your favorite tips to ease back into work after a vacation? Please share your experiences, and let’s help each other make the most of our time off and return to the office!
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