Getting Back to Work After the Summer Break
Getting back into work after time away is never easy, and when summer is still blazing or the beach is calling, it can be even more challenging. The good news is, with the right attitude and tools, you can slide right back into work mode with minimal bumps and hurdles. Here’s how to get back into the swing of work after the summer break.
Get organized
Walking into the office on your first day back, bleary-eyed and already watching the clock, only to be greeted by a pile of files on your desk awaiting your attention is enough to send you right back home. Keep the overwhelm to a minimum by breaking down the tasks you need to tackle upon your return into a list of manageable ones. Jot it all down, and list it according to priority. Then, divide and conquer, slowly working through your to-do list until you’re all caught up at work. It’s also a good idea to spend some time organizing your physical workplace and to get today’s lower-priority files out of sight. A clear workplace will help you feel like you got this – and you do!
Set new goals
The best way to get yourself excited about returning to work is to set new professional goals. The start of autumn is synonymous with new beginnings. Why not take this opportunity to embark on a new start at work?
Re-establish a routine
It’s time to brush up on your daily routine. As you transition back into work mode, spend some time reviewing your daily schedule and tweaking it as necessary. This includes your workouts, meals and leisure time for workdays. You can choose to ease back slowly into your full working routine, or go cold turkey and continue right where you left off before your time off. Just make sure your schedule still works for you and that it’s not too ambitious or laid-back for your needs.
Revisit your work-life balance
Returning to work after some time away from the office provides the perfect opportunity for reflecting on your work-life balance. Are you spending too much time and energy on either part of your life? If you’re feeling drained and worn-out at the end of a typical work week, or you find you’re consistently missing work deadlines, you may need to do some rebalancing. Remember, a well-balanced life leads to increased productivity and overall satisfaction.
Indulge responsibly
The official end of vacation doesn’t have to mean the end of your personal indulgences. Be sure to take the time to enjoy life in the way you like best, whether this means dining out with friends on occasion, attending exclusive art events, immersing yourself in nature or spending an afternoon (and a boatload of money) at the mall. As long as you stick to your budget and meet all your work responsibilities, you can continue to enjoy your personal mood-boosters when you need them.
Getting back into work after the summer break can be challenging. Use these tips for a smooth and successful transition from vacation to work mode.