I have just returned from a sunny tropical island where I celebrated my big 40th with a bunch of siblings and their spouses. It was an amazing vacation! You know it is good when everyone wants to stay longer and when you start planning the next one while you are sitting there. I was double lucky in that when I got back to work I actually “got back to work!” Turns out I missed you!
But that’s not always the case. I have had many vacations where getting back to work was the last thing I wanted to do. So today I am going to share with you some of the tricks I use to help me get back to it!
Getting Back to Work
- Make Your List. If you are anything like me, you probably made a list before you left for vacation. If not, do one now. Just do a “brain dump” of everything on your mind, and everything new and exciting that came up for you on vacation. Then categorize by priority and deadlines.
- Ease into Things. Once you are in motion it is easier to stay in motion (hey! physics from a designer!). So you might want to start slowly with the easy things, to get back into the groove.
- Take Breaks. Okay, if you are on a roll, just keep going! But if you find your mind wandering, take a break. Take 10 minutes to move around – start that load of laundry, go through the mail – but then get back to work.
- Don’t be Too Hard on Yourself. If it takes you a bit to get back in the groove, that’s okay. But be responsible. Decide WHEN you will get back to work, and then do it.
- Reward Yourself. So you’ve made it back! Good for you! Now truly take the night off, so you can be back into things tomorrow!
What do you do to get back into the swing of things? I’d love to know what works for you – comment below!
Have a good one!
-Mary Larsen
6 Responses
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Mary,
I think having a list to work from is vital. If I don’t take time to make a list of things to do I get distracted and don’t accomplish as much. It’s also very gratifying to mark items off the list!!!
http://www.elegant-window.com
OOh!! I love crossing things off the list too! And if I hadn’t written down something I accomplished, sometimes I write it down AFTER just so I can cross it off! ha!
Have you ever tried to sit at your desk or wherever you work and do NOTHING for 3 minutes? Try it. Now I’m talking about when you fit sit down to start your work. It sounds easy, but after about 45 seconds I start to get itchy and it only gets harder and harder. Wait it out until the 3 minutes are up, then dig into your list. I think you’ll find you pick up speed!
I do not schedule any appointments for my first day back so I have a chance to return any calls received that need attention ,sort mail properly, and begin on my list of planned activites for the coming week. I feel much more centered if I allow myself that day.
All great tips and ideas! On my first day back, I try to get up a little earlier to get a jump start on my day; make sure I have a healthy breakfast and a stong cup of coffee
; then focus on my “to do” list; respond to urgent phone calls, urgent emails, mail that has stacked up, and I definitely do not schedule any client appointments on my first day back, either. I also spend a little time making sure my office & desk are organized and ready to go, and my filing is up to date. All of those things help me to ease back in and not feel totally stressed if I take any time off.
Deb, I LOVE this tip!!!!! I have NEVER heard it – never ever – and I have used it several times this week – wow! Very powerful!