2022 is the year of the long-awaited overseas holiday for many. But how do you switch off before you go, and how do you switch on once you’re back? Moira Dunne has the answers.
For the first time in two years, many of us are finally able to take that much longed-for holiday overseas. We will soak up the sun or visit a city we haven’t seen in a while, and it will be a tremendous relief after two years of caution.
The days leading up to holiday are often the busiest of the year, however. We become super-productive as we crack through our to-do list in an attempt to clear everything before we leave.
We want to ensure that we have communicated with everyone, turned on the out-of-office message and tied up any loose ends. We become super-focused, less likely to get distracted and intent on making the most of our time.
In contrast, our focus is usually low during the first few days back at work. After switching off during our break, it can be hard to get back into it.
My advice for getting around this is to capitalise on the high-focus period before your break to plan ahead and make your return to work a little easier.
Here are some more tips to help you be productive before and after a holiday.
Capture everything before you go
Before you finish up for your holiday, take note of what needs to be completed. This is a great time to make your ultimate to-do list – a central place for all those tasks, ideas and plans.
A good to-do list will allow you to switch off quickly once you finish work and not worry about your tasks while you’re away.
When you return to work refreshed, this list will also help you get back up to speed more quickly.
Plan for the first week back
Think ahead to how your first couple of days back at work are likely to pan out before you finish up.
Some people like to ease into it with a low-key schedule, while others prefer the opposite approach.
I recommend arranging a couple of key meetings to kick-start you into productivity mode more quickly.
The first morning back at work can be especially challenging, but by the end of the day, you can be proud of your productivity and feel confident that you’re back into the swing of things.
Resume your routine
It can take some time to get back into productive habits when you return to work. The most important thing you can do is try to resume your daily routine on the first day back.
Set your alarm for your normal wake-up time, follow your typical morning get-ready schedule, and catch your regular train or bus to the office.
Help yourself return to healthy eating habits with a visit to the supermarket to stock up on lunches and snacks for the work week.
And why not motivate yourself to return to good routines by arranging a treat at the end of the week? This will give you something to look forward to as the post-holiday blues take hold.
So, have a great holiday and enjoy it, safe in the knowledge that you’ll be on top of everything once you’re back.
Moira Dunne is Founder of beproductive.ie.
Productivity and personal effectiveness have never been more important as people try to manage their workload between work and home. Moira provides one-to-one coaching programmes and now has a self-paced productivity masterclass.