Back to Work (part 2 of 3)

Back to Work – Part 2

RESURFACING FROM HOLS, or in this case, my sabbatical

I have been away for almost two months, and I am trying to set myself up for a slow resurface so I do not experience “the bends” when I get back to work.

Two months is a long time, and it has really helped me to focus on my values (investing in others and justice, for example).  It’s been great but returning to the job can be difficult, especially when there have been meetings and requests for meetings starting from day one.

Returning to work can be emotionally or even physically difficult, especially if you have really had a mental and physical break from your every-day schedule.  It can feel like you are a deep-sea diver coming to the surface again, facing a foreign world from where you have recently been.  That is certainly my situation! I was far away, mentally, emotionally and physically from all my work.  I have attempted to create some space for continued rest and reflection in my weekly schedule so as not to become overcharge and move too quickly through work and life.

Here are some tried and true suggestions for your resurfacing success: 

Start on a Wednesday, or even Thursday (I started on a Thursday, since I returned home on a Tuesday)

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. 

Alternatively, check the email list immediately when you return (at home – and be brutal with your triage, no replies, just deletes on holiday if at all possible – reply in the office).

Start slowly, with greatly 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.  Perhaps you have a souvenir you want to put on your desk to remind you of the great time you have just had. I have a small stone, often I pick up a stone of remembrance.

Revisit your vacation memories 

Speaking of souvenirs, maybe you want to review your photos, or try and make that green curry you learned to make in Thai cooking class (I am bringing mojo sauce home with me to make Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce).  As a family, we always bring back food and the most recent trip was to places that allowed us to bring back our favorite Spanish comfort foods.  We will make a meal to re-live our holiday experience in our own home, and will anchor it in our memories. I have just begun the photo revisiting.

Have -or make- future holiday plans, have something to look forward to

I will be away a bit this fall for work and leisure, AND we also have some friends are visiting, which is always very fun.  So, although I will be coaching and enjoy my work, I have other very positive activities to look forward to.  This helps when work gets tough:  when you have something to look forward to, as you look ahead to the next enjoyable activities that break the work stress.  These plans help make your days pass with positive thoughts.

Next time I will finish my series on how to get back into work.

Until then, have a lovely weekend!

Patricia Jehle patricia@jehle-coaching,com