Mental prep for the post-holiday return
Originally featured in the Monday State of Mind weekly newsletter (subscribe here).
I know, I know. This is your holiday. You’re not thinking about work until you really, truly have to.
Why would you? Why would you ruin the only moments you have to yourself, thinking about the only moments you don’t?
Well, I would argue that, like most things in life, avoiding the things you don’t like but have little choice about, can often make them harder.
Lots of people hate Mondays. Not because Mondays are particularly bad, but because they wish Mondays were Sundays, or Saturdays - when they’re not. The slow torture of Mondays is no different than the drudgery of Wednesdays or the excitement of Fridays - apart from how we perceive them, in relation to days off.
So the first day back after a couple of weeks off, can be particularly challenging. No matter how much you love your job, heading back into work after a period of lie-ins, excessive consumption, doing exactly what you want and/or just riding life in low gear, can be a shock to the system.
How we deal with that shock, comes down to how we perceive it and prepare for it. Whether our break was spent in harmony or in frustration, healthy or boozy…taking a moment to prepare for the shift in gear, can lead to a smoother transition for the mind.
As always, different methods work for different people. But the idea is just to do something to set yourself up. Make it a consideration and do what works for you.
Here are a few ideas:
Set your alarm a day in advance - and get out of bed. But - do something nice. Go to the gym. Go for breakfast. Go for a walk. Just get your mind and body back into "up and out" mode.
Consider your inbox - unfortunately, some inconsiderate people (like me) just kept sending emails over the holidays. So your inbox might need some pruning. Do whatever works to ease yourself back. Take half hour the day before to flag or delete, or book in some time to do it in the morning.
Wind down the night before - readjust your holiday sleeping pattern. Do the things that work for you to get a good night's sleep.
Plan ahead - Just think about it. Check your calendar, make sure your travel card is topped up, or check whatever you need to avoid any other potentially stress-inducing surprises.
Arrange lunch - with your team or work bestie - it's nice to catch up :)
Stop wishing the holiday lasted forever - wishing you didn't have to go back to work won't make it any easier. Take a moment to reflect on a nice break and focus on getting back to it.
Remind yourself why you’re there - if you’re really struggling to come to terms with getting back to work, take a moment to focus on what you get from it. Whether it’s the impact you have or the financial freedom it provides. And if you really can't? If it's really that bad...maybe it's time for a change.
Set goals - we all love a new year resolution. But go easy on yourself. Keep it simple. What are you looking to achieve this week? Give yourself something to aim towards and make it achievable.
As the sound of Santa’s sleighbells disappear and the legacy of Xmas indulgence kicks in, the beginning of the year can be notoriously challenging. So be ready for it. Emotionally budget for it. Be good to yourself and the journey into Spring time might even be an enjoyable one.
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