As your long-anticipated vacation comes to an end, the hours spent enjoying beautiful sunsets while idling in a hammock become part of treasured memories. Which means it's time to get ready to head home and back to the daily routine: going to bed earlier, waking up, and heading out in the morning, business as usual. It might take some readjusting, but the promise of a forthcoming long weekend or next year’s vacation should be part of the process that helps you adjust from vacation mode to reality. Staying active is a plus; also, remembering that work is the means to achieve a better way of life, vacations included.
1. Plan ahead
Make a to-do-list covering items that need to be completed before vacation, during, and after getting back. This forethought helps to set priorities to accomplish during each phase.
Don’t try to overcompensate for the time away by scheduling too many activities on the first days: a breakneck pace is never the answer. Focus and prioritize: read and respond to emails thoughtfully; hand-write notes, using pen and paper helps to focus. Meeting with an important client could wait another day to update information and be better prepared.
2. Home, sweet home
Arrive home from vacation with a day or two to rest and transition out of vacation mode before heading back to your daily routine. Take time to relax at home, get re-acclimated to your everyday surroundings. Having an orderly, clean home to come back to makes it all the better. With that in mind, make sure the house is left in tip-top shape before vacation begins. Unpack as soon as possible after getting back; it helps to have clothes washed and luggage stored to close one cycle and get back to normal. With planning, having food readily available is a big plus! If you can prepare and freeze a couple meals before vacation, and keep non-perishables in the cupboards , you're set for a quick meal or mid-morning breakfast. Another option is to have a close friend or relative purchase fresh food items to replenish the refrigerator. It feels great to get in, brew some coffee and relax for a few minutes.
3. Early to bed, more joyful to rise
It’s common for vacationers to stay up later than the norm while visiting another city or relaxing at a resort. Why not enjoy a delicious, late supper or a show? Now, get pampered differently: recover lost sleep by going to bed at a reasonable. WebMD says that seven to eight hours of sleep is essential for recovery, especially true after a vacation. With body and mind rested, it’s a breeze to wake up fully energized to start fresh in the morning.
4. Keep the optimism flowing
Focus on the positive aspects of life to enjoy the different challenges each day brings. Enjoy life from the moment you wake up and feel the sunshine; keep that vitality going through the day and nighttime. In 2014, Admiral William McCraven addressed the graduating class at the University of Texas. He challenged them to change the world by making small changes, to start by making their bed each morning. This simple task was the first accomplishment of each day, he said. and other accomplishments would flow from the first one. Bring gladness to the present: appreciate whatever is occupying your time whether chatting with your spouse or partner, helping a child do his/her homework, meeting with clients or colleagues or just looking at the landscape. Know that while vacation time was great, this is now, and it’s good to be here. Share enthusiasm and gratitude with those at home and at work. It may take some effort at the beginning, but when practiced regularly, this approach becomes second nature, and life is more enjoyable.
5. Fraternize with friends, family, and colleagues
Spending fun time with colleagues creates stronger bonds that will help each other during stressful projects when team effort is required: whether pitching in to finish a tight deadline as a unit or finishing a common project. These activities can be as simple as a weeknight dinner at a restaurant near the office; a weekend BBQ in a relaxed environment or putting together a day trip to a place everyone will enjoy visiting.
The same holds true for relatives and friends with whom you are not in daily contact but who remain part of your extended family network that enriches our lives. Sharing memories from your recent travels and plans for future outings can make for a fun Sunday brunch.
6. Combat the blues
Still feeling nostalgic? It happens to most people but don’t let the emotions drag you into full-fledged sadness. Here are suggestions that might help:
- Introduce small changes to your environment
- use the stairs instead of the elevator
- buy a lush green plant and set it on your desk
- take a different driving route
- Go for a long walk in the afternoon and focus on nature
- Take a mid-morning or mid-afternoon coffee or tea break, and chat with anyone in the break room
- Clean the clutter from your desk, station, or office
- Schedule a massage or session at the gym
7. The healing power of music
Music is therapeutic: put headphones on and listen to your favorite tracks; motivational songs can help set a better mood faster.
Remember that post-vacation blahs is temporary; within a few days, everything will be back to its average pace.
These are some easy tips to get back your groove and join life’s rhythm after a vacation. If you’re self-employed or run your own business, finding how to protect assets best will help ease off some pressure. Infinity Insurance can help secure a Business Owner’s Policy at an affordable rate. Call one of our friendly agents today at 1-800-INFINITY or visit our website to receive an online quote within minutes.