Summer vacation is over, and it’s time to get back to work. But how do you make sure you don’t quickly forget the vacation feeling and start work full of energy and vitality? In this blog, we share valuable tips from Panthion to hold on to the vacation spirit and get back to work in a relaxed manner.
1. Find a coach for career ideas and inspiration
After a relaxing vacation, you may have been inspired to set new goals or consider changes in your career. It may be rewarding to consult a career coach to flesh out your ideas and ambitions. A coach can help you identify your strengths, interests and passions, and guide you in designing a plan to achieve your professional goals.
2. Holding onto the vacation spirit
To avoid having to play too much catch-up and put too much pressure on yourself, it is important to hold on to the vacation spirit. Don’t overfill your first work days after your vacation and give yourself space to start up slowly. Take some time to think about how you can schedule the next few months and weeks quietly and create space for relaxation and recovery. Especially if you were already dealing with burnout-related symptoms before the vacations. Doubt that you (or that one colleague on your team) has recovered sufficiently. Then take a look here.
3. Schedule relaxation moments
To make the transition from vacation to work smoother, it’s a good idea to incorporate relaxation moments into your workday. Take regular breaks to unwind, take a short walk or just let your mind wander. This helps you feel more energized and focused throughout the day.
4. Think back to the fun vacation memories
It is normal to be immediately absorbed into work and daily routines after the vacations. To keep the vacation feeling longer, regularly think back to the fun moments and memories you made during your vacation. This will help you maintain positive feelings and keep you motivated in your work.
5. Don’t start your e-mail right away
When resuming work, it can be tempting to immediately check your emails and respond to messages. However, try to avoid this and take time to quietly consider your tasks and priorities for the day. This will help you stay focused and productive. That’s a good tip anyway: read out your emails at set times each day so you’re not constantly triggered by their content. If you don’t get to work on it at that point anyway, there’s little point in already feeling restless about that struggling project or that complaining customer. Take, e.g., noon and 4 p.m. to answer your emails.
6. Make a SMART list of your good intentions
If you gained new insights and ideas during your vacation, it’s a good idea to turn them into concrete goals. Make a SMART list (Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic and Time-bound) of your good intentions and create a plan to achieve them. Hard to keep good resolutions? Do it with someone who has much, much experience in this and can give you the right handles.
7. Plan a walking break in the afternoon
To keep your energy up throughout the workday, take a walking break in the afternoon. Getting some fresh air and some exercise can activate your brain and help you stay sharp.
8. Switch off in time
It is important to respect your limits and not work through constantly. Turn off your computer and work phone at a reasonable time, even if you haven’t completed everything. Rest and recovery are essential to your long-term productivity and well-being.
Only you go faster. Together you will get further (and stay sustainably employable)
In short, with the right mindset and planning, you can keep the vacation spirit and start your work with vitality and energy. Use the inspiration gained during your vacation to set goals and further your professional growth. Remember, a balanced approach to work and leisure is crucial for a successful career and a healthy life. Take time to reflect, relax and enjoy the memories of your vacation as you return to full commitment to your professional duties. And do you like to do that together with an experienced professional? Then we are here for you: for that one question, that long-term project and everything in between.
