Returning and Resurfacing - getting back to daily work

I have had an intensive work and family time since last Thursday – through yesterday.

It’s been great, but at least for me, returning to the everyday job responsibilities can sometimes be difficult. Returning to work can be emotionally and even physically difficult, especially if you have really had a mental “break” from your every-day schedule.  This can mean being on a work training or retreat, on holiday, or like me, a very focused time of training and then family time. Returning to the regular pace of work can feel like you are a deep-sea diver coming to the surface again, facing a foreign world from where you have recently been. 

This was the case for me- I was far away, mentally, emotionally, and physically from all my work.  But then I came back to a few important deadlines and a lot of emails and little “to-dos” that were urgent.  I had to resurface fast.  Here are some things I try to do to make the re-adjustment smooth; maybe you can do them too!

Many are resurfacing from having illnesses, too, like COVID.

Start on a Wednesday, or even Thursday

This is what I am doing this week, since yesterday was a big family day. Make your first work-week lighter by only working a few days, or perhaps schedule something “fun” first, such as a training day, or a team building day where you have no choice but to ignore your email list.  This time I only focused on the emails and my blog.

I will be going on a training/meeting day twice next week.

Start slowly, with lowered expectations

Do not plan a long first day or two, but slowly set and get into your list of “to-dos”; don’t expect to get finished with your list, but try to focus on one or two key goals for the first few days.  Remember to reacquaint yourself with the team, the space, and the food, too, especially if you have been away for a long time or working (mostly) remotely.  Freshen up your workspace and make it “your own” once again.

Revisit your recent memories

Maybe you want to review your photos or try and make that green curry you learned to make in Thai cooking class.  Maybe you want to try that team building activity you learned in your week away. Find something positive to remember from the past activity. For me, it is all the positive notes from former student in an intensive leadership training last week and weekend.

Have -or make- positive plans for the future, have something to look forward to

Not only are we attending a special wedding sometime next spring, but we also have some friends are visiting soon.  So, although we will be working, we have very positive activities to look forward to.  This helps when work gets tough:  we can look ahead to the next enjoyable activities that break the work stress.  These plans help make the days pass with positive thoughts.

May your resurfacing be successful, and the next good thing, whether holidays or time away from “the grind” doing work intensively, be planned soon!

Patricia Jehle              patricia@jehle-coaching.com