Getting back to work after a prolonged holiday in 6 easy steps
With summer almost officially upon us (even though it mightn’t feel like it just yet!) many of us are excitedly planning our breaks away – whether for the weekend or a longer spell in the sun.
A recent report by Expedia found that millennials in particular, are increasingly seeking out more authentic, more real travel experiences.
So whether you’re just spending some time with your family in The Hamptons or going away with your friends to Santa Monica and Malibu to recharge your batteries, you eventually will have to get back to the daily grind which is your job and your cramped cubicle.
As a result, here are 6 easy steps you can take to help ease your way back in to your work schedule after a prolonged holiday.
1. Read Something Positive: A technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that makes you feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel happy and positive, write it down in that little notebook you carry around in your pocket. Whenever you feel anxious about going back to your manic work schedule, you just open up your small notebook and read those statements.
2. Talk To Your Fellow Workers: When getting back in to the swing of things on you first day back from holiday, take a 5-10 minute break to talk to your coworkers and peers about their holiday. For example, you can ask your coworkers what was some of the highlights from their break from work. If someone mentions that they went to Florida for their vacation, ask them questions about what they liked most about their trip. Talking to your friendly coworkers can ease the transition from your vacation to going back to work.
3. Plan Ahead For Your Return: A lot of people can anticipate their return from work by developing a plan and some goals. Write down 5 things you want to accomplish when you get back to the office after the holiday. Think about what you will need to do to accomplish these goals and mentally prepare yourself for what needs to get done. If one of your goals is to turn in your financial report to your manager, then plan ahead of how you will accomplish this task. Developing a plan and knowing what needs to be done will reduce your stresses of going back to work.
4. Go To Work Early To Beat The Traffic: Sitting in traffic to get to your job can be extremely frustrating after just finished your stress-free holiday away. Make an effort to leave your house early so that you don’t have to sit in traffic and get stressed out before facing a busy day at work. You know that many people will be on the roads the first day of work after a holiday, so make sure you leave early to beat the traffic.
5. Meditate: You could take 5-10 minutes to sit down in a quiet place and meditate. For example, the day before you have to get back to work, you can find a calm, quiet place within your house where there is no distractions. Dim the lights and just sit there quietly and relax your mind and muscles by taking deep breaths. If you have trouble meditating, talk to an experienced counselor or even friend who could give you some tips on how to relax your mind.
6. Ease Your Way Into Your Work Schedule: Get into the habit of doing the easy tasks first during the morning of your first day on the job. For example. organise your desk, get a cup of coffee and take a walk on your break, or you can even return some phone calls and emails to your colleagues. The key is not to get overwhelmed on the first day of work after the holiday.
Hopefully these tips will help you get back into your daily work schedule after your summer vacation. If you still have troubles, then talk to a counselor who can give you additional advice.
