Saying goodbye to the sun, sea and freedom not to look at your emails can often feel like the end of the world. There’s nothing like a dose of the post-holiday blues to make you wish you’d chucked it all in and opened a yoga school in paradise, as your head and heart remain on vacation whilst your physical presence is well and truly required at work.
Accept the importance of being present. Turning up with a holiday mindset can cause problems at work, ranging from lack of concentration on the tasks at hand to forgetting appointments. Accept that you’ve had a great break and that you’re refreshed; now it’s time to get on with what you’re good at in a work environment.
Here are some quick tips to ease the pain of returning to work after having time:
- Be honest with yourself about what really motivates you and then focus on it with everything you have
- Transform your desk space and clean out the in-box and electronic files.
- Focus on making whatever you’re working on real from the get-go
- Consider what makes you feel on top, then focus your energy on getting those things right
- Consider the things you love about your job, then ask your boss if you can do more of them
- Step away from the smartphone. If you’re angry or upset at work, do not make any calls or write any emails, at all, to anyone
- Rethink meetings. We all attend too many meetings. Before you agree to a meeting, ask what the purpose is and what the organiser needs from you.
- Prioritise your state of wellbeing. Wellbeing is the backbone of productivity at work and in your home life.
- Work less. If all you do is work, you’re unlikely to make sound judgements, remember workaholics aren’t heroes.
Talk to people who can help you create a career action plan. A counselling psychologist can be a great source of advice by providing feedback, ideas and information to you when you’re thinking of a life direction or career change.
Life direction or career changes don’t happen overnight but a plan will help keep you on course. Your time management is also going to have to go up a gear and you will need to find time in your busy schedule to make it happen. However, if you feel as though it’s the right decision for you and it seems to be achievable, go for it.
Our blog is for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for individual professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need help for an emotional or behavioural problem, please seek the assistance of a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional
