Summer’s here, and you know what that means – vacation time! While I dream about those getaways as much as the next person, let’s be honest – that first day back can be a doozy. Trust me, I’ve been there (and by “there,” I mean buried under a mountain of emails and laundry).
But fear not, fellow travelers! Over the years of running my business, I’ve developed some strategies to make re-entry a little (or a lot) less painful. These are the tricks that help me avoid that post-vacation crash and burn, and I wanted to share them with you so you can enjoy that well-deserved relaxation without dreading the return.
Planning is My Superpower (Well, One of Them):
- Calendar Like a Boss: This might be the most important tip. Forget scheduling meetings the day you get back – even if it’s a Friday! Give yourself a buffer day, even a Monday, to catch your breath and reacquaint yourself with the world (and your inbox).
- Prioritize Like a Pro: Don’t try to be a hero on day one. Pick one or two key things to tackle and make a prioritized list. Half days can be your friend here, giving you space to catch up at work and get those personal things done, like unpacking and restocking the fridge.
Delegate and Automate: My Secret Weapons:
- Empower Your Team (or Your Cat, if Necessary): Before you jet off, see if there are tasks you can delegate. Can someone handle emails or keep a project moving? Don’t have a team? Get creative! Set up auto-responders, schedule things to print beforehand, or consider outsourcing a small project through a platform like Fiverr. You’ll be surprised how much can keep ticking while you’re soaking up the sun.
Be Choosy Upon Return (Because You Deserve It):
- Focus on What Matters: When you do get back, don’t feel obligated to say “yes” to everything. Choose activities that will truly benefit you, whether that’s a crucial business meeting or a much-needed massage to melt away that jet lag. Remember, you deserve some self-care!
Routine is My BFF (Especially After Vacation):
- Get Back in the Groove: As soon as you’re back, try to re-establish your regular routine. This includes your sleep schedule, your morning rituals, and even your workout routine (although maybe ease back into that one). The familiar rhythm will help you adjust much faster.
Relax and Recharge (Because You Earned It):
- Don’t Fight the Nap: Listen to your body! If you need a nap, take it! The whole point of vacation is to unwind and come back feeling refreshed. Don’t feel guilty about taking some extra time for yourself.
Bonus Tip: Take that vacation! Even a staycation in your backyard can do wonders. The goal is to unplug, recharge, and come back feeling ready to take on the world (or at least your inbox).
For more on de-stressing on your return, check out this article from HBR.
Check out my courses to help prepare for after vacation.