All good things must come to an end, and we’ve got no choice but to settle back in our everyday duties and routines. I don’t know how it looks like in your case, but in mine, this moment of transition from the state of full relaxation to the state of full readiness to work is a critical moment, which is often accompanied by all possible psychosomatic reactions of my body, from chronic stomachaches to continuous tiredness with the feeling of constant nervousness. Of course, as the time goes by this state of uneasiness gradually disappears and I simply get used to the new routine.
P.S. If this situation continues for a longer period of time, you should think over this problem and decide whether the job you do is something you really should do.
Theories are theories, and life is life …
How am I going to deal with all this stress after coming back to work from my summer holidays break? Here are a few ways, which I hope will work out for me!
1.Make use of summer energy, which is still somewhere there in you!
Yes, I know … for some of you, this summer energy is just a blur and there is nothing left to grieve for … it’s similar in my case, so don’t really worry about that too much, as with little effort you can get your energy back! How am I going to do that? You should focus on the things you managed to achieve during your holidays and on the positive influence they had on you as a person. Now you probably just grab your head and start thinking ‘And what did I really succeed in during holidays?’ I’ll calm you down … I also didn’t gain too much, but looking at these little, tiny, almost Lilliput like achievements, which for some people are just bread and butter, and in your case they demand a lot of work from you … oh well … not everyone can be a born star, and if you are not one, you need to handle it somehow … so be proud of yourself … in small amounts it won’t really spoil you.
I’m happy about a few things, which wouldn’t probably mean anything for other people, but in my case they made me feel a little bit better. Namely:
- I managed to write some interesting articles and interviews … actually, I’ve got the impression that no one really reads them, but I hope that one day someone will come to a conclusion that my passion is worth something.
- Despite the fact that sometimes I lack faith in myself and I don’t really think that many people visit my blog, I was truly happy to hear a few positive words related to the things I write. These opinions came from people who didn’t really have to express them.
- I was invited to Good Morning Television, and to my greatest regret I didn’t really make any use of it, but the fact itself made me feel really happy … ok, fine, maybe not at once … and in this case you shouldn’t really pattern on me … first of all my irrational fear made me feel bad, and when I got to know that I didn’t need to take part in the show, I finally started being happy about the whole situation … so don’t make the same mistakes as me, just take the bull by the horns!
- I spent my free time in a great company, travelling here and there, I also had some time to relax in my hometown … it was really awesome!
- I managed to increase my physical activity from running to going for long walks, which allowed me to improve my physical condition and keep a good figure.
- I found and amazing second-hand shop, which in combination with my favourite market makes a perfect combo … you even don’t know how proud you can feel of yourself when your friends love your clothes and they think that you’ve spent a little fortune on your new wardrobe!
- I read a few fascinating books … ok, ok … quite a lot of titles, which I wouldn’t have a chance to read while going to work … so I’ll dream of my free time, in which I’ll grab some other great novels.
I bet it’s not everything I gained, but you know … when you hit 30 you can start noticing some deficits … so my memory isn’t as brilliant as it used to be, although, personally, I know some more hopeless cases than mine! Of course, there were also a few disappointments and unrealized plans, but it means that something else is waiting for us, we just need to be patient!
2.Focus on yourself!
Work is an important aspect of our lives … at least some people say so … and of course, it’s true, but outside your work there’s also some life, which unfortunately passes by very quickly. Try not to neglect yourself and do something only for yourself! I’m a little bit like a narcissist. I started focusing more on the way I look and I do it only for myself. When I look better, I feel better … it’s probably a bit shallow, but new clothes make me feel like going out to people more often, and even if it’s not the best reason, it’s always a good motivation not to spend the whole days at home. That’s also true that when I go to work, I like to feel elegant, as it gives me some extra confidence and energy to face new challenges.
If you’re already beautiful enough and you don’t lack anything in this sphere, you should find a new hobby, mine is running a blog, which keeps motivating me to continuous exercising something I used to call the brain in the past! Someone could probably fault me for being an old spinster, who has got lots of time for writing … that’s not really the truth, I was thinking of leaving this activity a few times during the past week, as I don’t really have time for that anymore. However, it’s a kind of break from my everyday work and some light in the darkness on the way to my self-realization.
And if none of the above appeals to you, think of the things which make you really happy and try to do them more often!
3.Don’t worry … tomorrow will be a new day!
The worst thing you could possibly do would be bringing your work problems home … I still don’t know how not to do that, but I’m going to work it out … you should keep your home life separate from you work life. Definitely. Full stop. Close the door to your work behind you and open it only when it’s the right time for that. Not a minute before, not a minute after. We work to live, and we don’t live only to work. When you learn that you’ll be calmer, both at home and at work, which will make you more efficient in each of the earlier mentioned spheres.
4.Remember that pretty soon … in a year … there will be holidays too!
In my case real holidays will be in a year time, but everyone who works outside the education field can plan the date of this sweet pleasure more freely. I’m already counting down the days till the time when I can be myself again, the best version of myself … not so extremely busy, not so much stressed … just happy and enjoying every free moment!
Meanwhile, the first week of my work has already passed and I’m slowly trying to change the settings of my biological clock, from slow motion mode to action mode. I hope it will be the next fruitful year during which I’ll get not only some new work experiences, but I’ll also find some time for myself and I’ll have a chance to try out myself in the fields, which are really important to me. Remember … having a balanced life, in which you devote lots of time to work, but even more to your private life, family, friends and passions will make you a happier person who will become an inspiration for others not only at work but also outside it!
See you around!
Yours,
Passion Piece
It's always hard to go back to work after an amazing vacation. You do have some good tips :)
I always struggle when I have to come back to work, hopefully it's getting easier and easier to work after some time. :)
Many people just work and didnt realized the important of having a life outside work. In Japan, there are people who would killed themselves after they lost their job. I agree with you that it is important not to neglect on ouselves and what we need. My suggestion is similar to yours, start thinking about ourselves and start to cultivate some life long interest and hobbies. Lastly, look after ourselves well, with regular exercises.
I've heard that there's quite a high rate of suicides in Japan and that they're related to work and too fast pace of life. It's important to find some time to relax and focus on ourselves instead. :)
At times, I hate it when it comes to transitioning to work from holidays!I usually feel so stressed out and bored already until I get to fit it once again. Thus, your tip on focusing on myself would be awesome. Hope it works lol!
I also hope it works ... as for now I'm dead tired when the week finishes. I also caught a cold so it doesn't help at all! :)
The worst part of taking a vacation, it is getting back to reality when it is over!! You offer some great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Hope my tips will be useful for you to set you into your active mode after holidays! :)
I hate returning to work after vacation. I need a vacation to unwind from my vacation.
I love your comment! It's so true that we would need some buffer zone before we start working again for good. :)
It would be tough to get back into the swing of work after a vacation. I work from home and when I go on vacation, it's tough for me to get back into my groove again.
Sometimes I think I'd love to work from home, but I bet it would be much more difficult for me to stay focused and not to do unnecessary things in the meantime. :)
I always have the most difficult time getting back into a routine after a holiday. It is good to know that I am not the only one.
There is always more power in a group! :)
I used to enjoy my vacations as well, but even back then, for me it's always been a good thing coming back to work after a vacation, so I only experience positive feelings about the transition period.
That's so great that you don't suffer while comming back to work! That means that you do something you really like. :)
I love the holiday breaks but I also love to get back to work. The holiday break always refreshes me and by the time it's over I am ready to go.
That's the way it should be! It's called a well balanced life. :)
I can totally relate! It can be difficult to go back to work after a wonderful vacation. :) But somehow I'm able to hustle because I know that my friends at work are probably feeling the same way. Usually we have a back to work party so it's something to look forward to.
That's a wonderful idea to start your work after holidays with a party! It's also great that you've got such nice friends you can come back to! :)
The main way "how" is to LOVE your job and what you do on a daily basis. That's my secret of not going crazy :)
That's a secret which really makes a difference! :)
I always go on vacation pretty much on all holidays and including some weekend getaway. This motivates me, even more, to go back to work so I can plan my next destination again. ;)
Finding time for relaxation more often than once a year is really important ... it gives us strength and motivation to follow our careers. :)
I do hate the end of a good summer break, but I always come back feeling refreshed for new projects. I've enjoyed getting back to routine, and time to work on my own things.
That's really important that you had a chance to load your batteries and to come back to work refreshed enough to start new projects! :)
Its really lazy and hard to go to work after an beautiful vacation. You offer some great tips! Thanks for sharing!
I'm glad you found my tips useful! :)
It's always frustrating whether you are writing for yourself at the end of the day. But fear not, I've learned that no matter what I am putting positive energy into the universe and it will ultimately make it to the people who need it.
You're right! The most important is to find your readers, the ones who will follow you because they assess your work positively. :)
As a teacher, I have extended holidays in the summer. It is sooo hard to come back! Soon though, retirement is right around the corner for me so I hope to enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! Thank you for sharing your perspective!
That's a good side of being a teacher to have extended summer holidays. Hope you'll enjoy your retirement soon! :)
Great post idea. That is always the hardest! I work for a school and so coming back from the Holidays can sometimes be tough! Thanks for sharing these tips.
It is tough especially the first few weeks, but when we come back to our routine for good it seems to be a bit easier. :)
Going back to work after a holiday is the worst! you just don't want it or are in the wrong mood!
Exactly, I've been trying to work on my mood, but it's always not very good just after holidays. :)
I hear you. We've been on a few trips during this summer and getting back into work mode is not easy. I have a post about Editorial Calendars that have helped me have content scheduled out on my blog specially during that time of the year when I'm not feeling productive or inspired to write something new. It's the best tool to have. Love your tips, they are so helpful!
Such calendars can be real lifesaver, as for now it's really hard for me to find enough time to write interesting posts on time!
This is so important! We take a break to escape something we rarely want to come back to. Then when we go back we are inundated with work we weren't working on while away. The transition back to work definitely has to be intentional and mindful.
That's so true. In my case holidays are a break which helps me to rest from work which can be quite hard at times. :)
I'm always struggling to get back to work after taking some time off. Thanks for all of the tips as I'm ready to hit the road again and may need help when I get back.
I'm happy to hear that my tips may occur to be useful for you! :)
Oh you are so right. It is so hard to do this! Great tips!
It's sometimes even more difficult than only hard. :)
Going back to work can definitely be so difficult after a trip. I always just have to ease my way back in. These are some great tips!
It's good when the transition from holidays to work can be smooth. Everything is in our heads and attitude! :)
Oh yes SUCH a valid post - every time I get back from holidays there's an initial period where I just want to be dipping my foot by the pool again! Thanks for sharing and making me want to go on holidays again hahaha
That's great that we can wait for new holidays and the quality time spent with our family and friends! :)