This article will focus on how to beat the post vacation blues. Getting back to work after a fulfilling vacation is always a challenging experience for everyone. In fact, some compare this feeling of going back to school after holidays but again, it depends on how much you love your job. But the thing is why we dread going back to work after vacation? Most probably because after being free and doing the things we enjoy with our favourite people for a week or more, going back to routine, doing job, managing tasks and dealing with clients and work stuff makes us think like we will never be getting any free time and will never going to relax after returning back.
However, here we are with a few tips and tricks that can ease the transition from vacation mode to work mode for you.
MAKE A PLAN BEFORE YOU GO ON HOLIDAY TO BEAT THE POST VACATION BLUES
Let’s begin with what you should do before going on vacation that can make your vacation as well as post-vacation time relaxed and less stressful. Inform your boss, manager, team members, and clients about your vacation beforehand. Don’t indulge in any last-minute projects because you will finish it in haste and this can leave your client and boss with questions.
Leave someone responsible for your duties that are urgent and cannot wait like critical projects or clients. Turn your ‘out of office’ mode on your email and other professional communication channels. Spent a low-key day before going on vacation at your workplace and do all the cleaning and clearing of your desk as well as your to-do list. Don’t hesitate to delegate where necessary. This will help you beating the post vacation blues
UNPLUGGING DURING YOUR HOLIDAYS IS A GOOD START TO BEATING POST VACATION BLUES
During vacation, unplug all your communication from work so that you can relax but if you have to stay in touch, set aside a time and restrict the means of communication. For example, assign an hour to respond to emails at night or in the morning but no text messages or phone calls. Moreover, have one of your co-workers keep you updated regarding the work details, any new projects, new campaigns, new co-worker, or any other stuff that is not very significant yet good for you to know. This will help you manage your post vacation blues with success!
GET INTO A ROUTINE AFTER YOUR HOLIDAYS HELP YOU COPE WITH POST VACATION BLUES
Always return a day or two before the vacation time. Devote these days to get in a routine. Get some sleep to fight off jet-leg, unpack your bags, do laundry, do some cleaning if necessary, do grocery shopping, get a manicure, pedicure or massage to get back to the moment, and plan your day at work. On the workday, wake up early, and it would be best if you go to the office before time and have a meeting with your manager or team members so that they can catch you up on what you have missed. Take it slow, don’t rush to complete all the tasks at once. Unclutter your desk as well as the inbox. Turn off your ‘out of office’ mode a day or two later, this can also give you some time to get ahead of things. If possible and appropriate, bring some sort of souvenir for your close colleagues as well as for your office. Don’t feel guilty to spend a slow week after vacation. This will increase your productivity, and you will gradually get in form and beat the post vacation blues.
We can say that pre-vacation preparation is what makes the post-vacation time less dreadful and stressful, so plan not only your vacations but also your after-vacation time.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article. Now it's your turn to share your thoughts and comments! Did you know about the strategies covered so far to help you manage the post holiday blues? Have you tried any other tool that worked for you? Let us know in the comment section and share this article with your network.
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