Struggling to get back into a work mindset post-vacation…cool, me too!
Now that we are in the thick of summer and pandemic restrictions seem to be lifting nationwide, I am in full-on travel mode! I’m pretty sure I am traveling every week or weekend in July! Gotta make up for lost travel time being stuck at home this past year!
If you are anything like me, you go on an amazing vacation, completely disconnect from work, and enjoy much-needed R&R. But then reality sets in, it’s Monday morning and you are back in the office…vacation over! But for real, I am straight up “draggin my wagon” post-vacation and have a hard time making the switch from a vacation to a work mindset.
Below is a list of my favorite tips to get back into a work mindset post-vacation.
Take an extra vacation day
An old boss of mine used to do this and I thought it was genius!
Chances are you caught the last flight out wherever you are coming from to soak up every last ounce of vacation! Good for you! Shitty part about that decision is you probably got home super late and work the next morning is going to be absolutely miserable. To top it off, you most likely have slim to no groceries in your pantry so your breakfast and lunch options are looking grim.
Sound familiar?!?
If you can, take an extra PTO day the day after you get home from vacation and use it to get caught up. I have a hard time giving my full attention to work when I know I have a million and a half things to do when I get home. Use this extra day off to unpack your suitcase, get laundry done, go grocery shopping, and meal prep for the remainder of the week.
If you can’t swing an extra PTO day, try to get home as early as possible so you have the rest of the day to get some of those pesky tasks accomplished.
Get cozy with your planner
One of the first things I do upon arrival into the office after some much-needed time away is sit down with my planner and my coffee. Staying organized is key to getting into a work mindset post-vacation. It’s no secret I’m a big fangirl of to-do lists. I even go so far as to make to-do lists prior to leaving for vacation so that I’m ready to rock and roll when I’m back in the office.
Let’s be real, these post-vacation lists are so I don’t forget to do things when I’m back in the office HAH!
In order to transition back into a work mindset, I arrange my daily tasks from smallest to largest. Being able to check off a few quick boxes keeps me motivated and focused even if my brain still seems to be in vacation mode.
Take the time to get through your inbox
You guessed it! One of the first things on my to-do list post-vacation is going through my inbox. Does anyone else feel like they get more emails when they are away on vacation than on a regular workweek?!?
When I’m on vacation, I’M ON VACATION. I completely disassociate myself from my job and responsibilities. This means no checking work emails. I know some people like to keep up with work emails to avoid the overwhelming feeling of a full inbox but that’s just not how I roll. HAH!
Back at work, going through your inbox may seem like an overwhelming task, but it really does wonders for that work mindset post-vacation. It may seem like you haven’t accomplished anything by the time mid-morning rolls around, but think about how many virtual to-do’s you just checked off your list!
Give yourself grace
Going from vacation mode to work mode does not happen at the snap of your fingers. It takes time to get back into the saddle and that’s ok! Allow yourself the time to transition back into a work mindset without being too hard on yourself.
I hope the next time you find yourself back in the office after a much-needed vacation, you can utilize these tips to make transitioning back into that work mindset a little easier!
If you have any tips that you swear by, SHARE THEM BELOW! I am always looking for new ways to ease into the work week!
