Back to work after a long vacation? Here's how to get back safely.
The time back at work after a long summer holiday can be harder to handle than you think, as it is often characterized as a confusing time, with long working days and busy schedules. It starts already at the transition of the vacation coming to an end and you have to mentally prepare yourself for the upcoming working days with many tasks. The thought of a lot of unread emails to be answered and several tasks to be handled and completed can reduce our job satisfaction and motivation from the start.
It turns out that if you overwork after your return and push yourself too hard, the newfound energy released by your vacation can quickly run out. In the worst case scenario, this can take its toll on you, leading to symptoms of stress, which can affect you both mentally and physically.
When returning to the workplace after a vacation, it may be relevant to introduce new work processes to create a soft start, which in turn creates a positive working environment. Below are examples of work processes that can be useful in terms of how to manage work life after a longer vacation.
5 Tips for a start-up with a positive balance between the transition from vacation to work:
Circadian rhythm
You may want to adjust your body to go to bed earlier in the days leading up to starting work. Sleep is important for work performance. Lack of sleep can reduce your energy and concentration. It is recommended to sleep an average of seven to nine hours each night to get the best results.
Motion
Don't let your return to work compromise your exercise levels. Instead, use exercise to take a break from the working day. Do yourself the favor of clearing your mind, re-energizing yourself and getting in a good mood. It is recommended to do 30 minutes of light to moderate exercise daily.
Soft start to work
Consider whether it might make sense to start in the middle of the week. It could be a Tuesday or Wednesday. This way, you start with fewer days and your body can slowly get into gear. It may be a good idea to start with the smaller tasks and avoid too many meetings.
Get an overview of your tasks
Know your limitations, get an overview and organize the many tasks according to their relevance. Nobody expects you to do everything at once. This will also help you avoid long working days from the start. Remember, you chose to take a vacation for a reason.
Use your colleagues
It is important to cultivate your colleagues as it contributes to job satisfaction and well-being. In addition to conversations about experiences from vacations, it is also a good idea to spar with colleagues about work tasks.
