Experiencing Post Vacation Blues?

And so it's back to school and back to work from today. I have been trying to take it easy and have been enjoying a long break partially because I have had a horribly exhausting and persistent case of bronchospasm this summer but mostly because I needed that time off after working continuously not just for endless weeks but months at a stretch.

Last week I was sad and disengaged. I didn't want summer to end and was experiencing severe post vacation blues. They say do what you love and you will never have to work a day...

 Do what you love and you will never have to work a day- Exaggerated or true?

Now I am not sure how true that is because even though I love my work, God knows I have had to work very hard every single day and many a time even on weekends. But yes, because I love my work I stay motivated and persistent and I  always find my way back after a temporary period of disconnect even if there is one.

As soon as I dropped off my son to school and started thinking of my upcoming projects including key note speeches and book talks, the next conference we are planning and the leadership and coaching programs I will be delivering in the near future, I could immediately sense the excitement and passion seeping back in. Also, gratitude for what I have achieved and the happy anticipation of the wonderful things that are yet to come gave me renewed energy and determination so much so that I am actually feeling great to be back in routine.

Here are some other things which helped me and can possibly help you too in coping with post vacation syndrome:

1. Start organising and prepping 2-3 days in advance in terms of sleeping, eating, exercising or whatever it is that needs to be adjusted back. Do not exhaust yourself but make a list of your to-do's for the first week back in.

2. Have a fulfilling breakfast and meals-the last thing you want to do when you are not motivated enough is to starve or worse, splurge and binge!

3. Make time for fitness even if it's 15 mins a day. Don't forget to take your vitamins as lack of certain nutrients can have an affect of your mood and energy level.

4. Recount your accomplishments from the last quarter. Yes, gloat over the past successes but not in a flippant way of course- just to give enough of an adrenaline rush to crave for some more! As I often say, gratitude and acknowledgement can go a long way in replenishing dampened spirits. After all, the fact that you were able to enjoy some time off however little is still something to be thankful for. There are many who may not share the same privilege nor get an opportunity to take off at all. Of course, that doesn't mean that you deny yourself the right to miss something or be disengaged- we are humans and it's very natural to feel like that after any break. 

5. Focus on new targets and break them down into manageable goals.Depending on your circumstances, it's okay to start slow and gradually pick up pace. If you over exert yourself in the first week than the next holiday will seem longer than usual.

6. If you're a parent, remind yourself how much you needed this 'me time' and finally getting back in routine will be great for the whole family!

7. De-clutter your work area and keep healthy snacks on the side. Research has proved that messy homes and work place leave us feeling helpless, anxious and overwhelmed. Focus on creating a pleasant work ambience-maybe re-do your space, add a plant or two?

8. Now that you're back from a break don't forget to schedule time off every day and plan a relaxing weekend. Also, don't forget to include time to do something you enjoy-it will be reinvigorating for your mind and soul. It's also quite reassuring to know that though you may no longer be sipping cocktails on a beach, you can still distract yourself from the daily grind and choose to do something that you enjoy.

9. Prepare a schedule for the family and stick to it. This first week will set the tone for the rest of the term so be stringent about that- trust me on that!

10. There is no harm in planning the next vacation, maybe not the same week but having something to look forward to is always quite motivating and they say the anticipation itself could be part of the vacation. You don't have to go on an extravagant holiday destination-sometimes just disconnecting from your laptop and social media and relaxing at home could be the very break you need.

And if you are still not ready and disengagement persists for more than a week or longer than perhaps it's important to reassess your lifestyle. Consider incorporating changes -maybe even shake some things at work and at home. You can hire a coach to support you in this process.

Hope you are off to a great start the week and every week after.