How to Ease Back Into Work After Summer Vacation
Posted in Productivity
It’s Sunday afternoon. You’ve just had a wonderful, two-week vacation. You relaxed and did things you wanted. As the afternoon progresses, a feeling of anxiety sets in. Your post-vacation excitement is fading as you anticipate getting back to work. Say goodbye to relaxation and sunshine. Say hello to a full voice-mail box and an endless list of tasks to tackle.
If this is how you feel when you return to work after a vacation, you’re not alone. There are ways to make the transition from your relaxing vacation back to work less difficult:
Get organized before you go.
Before leaving on vacation, make a list of tasks to complete and tick everything off as you get it finished. Having that reminder helps you leave feeling like everything has been taken care of. Knowing that you’ve left everything in order will reduce anxiety when it’s time to return, taking your mind off of unfinished work, letting you focus on relaxation.
Ease back into it.
Keep your schedule light the first few days back. Don’t try to do everything you missed while you were gone all at once. If possible don’t plan any big meetings or set any major deadlines for those first days. Sort through and organize the tasks at hand. Talk to your co-workers to find out what you missed, then set your priorities.
Focus on the positive.
Think about your friends at work and other reasons you enjoy your job. This will help you feel positive about going back to work. Your state of mind can have a significant effect on your work life. Those who have a positive or optimistic attitude deal with fewer work-related problems, are more energetic and generally feel more peaceful and calm.
Post vacation reminders.
Bring a vacation reminder that you can put at your workstation: a photograph, souvenir or ornament. These can create a more harmonious work environment by giving you something to look at when you’re feeling stressed, reminding you of the relaxing time. Make sure your souvenir is appropriate for the office. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
Schedule your next vacation.
While it may seem far away, having something to look forward to helps you feel better about being back at work and if you’re planning on taking a trip, it may motivate you to start saving for that next relaxing and exciting vacation getaway.
Many people experience some degree of the back-to-work blues no matter how long or short their time away. If these feelings of apprehension don’t go away or they get worse, it might be an indication of more serious issues. Take time to figure out why you feel like this about returning to work. It may be helpful to speak with a manager or a professional for additional support and resources that can help you pinpoint the root of the matter.
For most, a little time, some planning and a few positive steps can help you reflect on the highlights of your last vacation without losing sight of all the great things you’re doing right now.
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