Thrive Global: How to Regain Focus After Taking Time Off
The summer is a popular time to take time away from work, whether you’re going on a trip, seeing your family, or simply unplugging for a few days to rest and recharge. But often, heading back to work and regaining focus after vacation can feel challenging.
It’s important that we take small steps to regain our focus and get back into “work mode.”
Keep your first day back meeting-free
"It affords me the quiet, focused ability to plan for my week, catch up on emails, and get organized before launching into ‘go mode.’ "
—Kathryn Sandoe, executive director and entrepreneur, Lancaster, PA
Sit down to map out the week
"I get all of my upcoming tasks and to-do’s out of my head and onto paper. I also include self-care and an emotional intention for how I most want to feel. Mapping out my week is a small investment of time to start the week feeling fresh and motivated to switch into work mode.”
—Emily Madill, author and creativity coach (ACC), Nanaimo, B.C., Canada
Close out distracting apps
"By closing your apps, there is no room in your mind again for any distractions. This way, you slow down the idea of wanting to check in on friends or checking social media. You can also allow yourself space to concentrate by putting in headphones or going to a quiet area to focus.”
—Dr. Belynder Walia, psychotherapist, London, UK
Write down your top priority
"I stick to one priority a day, set a 3-hour focus window, and remind myself to focus on quality over quantity.”
—Sian Gunney, success strategist, UK
Create your to-do list the night before
"Setting the stage for the next day is a great way for me to get my head back in the game without being overwhelmed with all that I have to do. Rather, I focus on small things to do as I ease my way back into the workweek.”
—Nicki Anderson, women’s leadership director, Benedictine University, Lisle, IL
Block off time to answer emails
"I’ve found that diving straight in tends to be overwhelming, and it’s important to take a step back to get organized. It allows for a sense of calmness and allows me to be in control without the overwhelm.”
—Gill Davidson, business owner, Yorkshire, UK
Do some prep before the weekend
—Annie Bauer, mindset coach, Asheville, NC
Address the small details first
—Angela Ficken, psychotherapist, Boston, MA
Allow yourself to say “no”
—Tricia Sciortino, CEO, Charlotte, NC
Carve out small breaks to reset
—Dr. Belynder Walia, psychotherapist, London, UK
Take notes
—Karla J Noland, self-discovery coach, Durham, NC
Give yourself grace
"Try to hang on to the feeling that life is to be enjoyed as long as you can. Set mini-goals for yourself to get through the first day: get through your email. Address the highest priority issues, and get a start on the next highest priority. Take a walk for a few minutes and let yourself remember what you were doing this time last week. Leave at a reasonable hour and get a good night’s sleep. The first day is the hardest.”
—Amy Feind Reeves, career coach and author, Boston, MA
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#Focus #Work #Productivity
@comfortableNight4463 Reflection: Have you struggled to get back to work after a previous vacation? What did you do to overcome it?
@comfortableNight4463 I definitely think coming back to work after a vacation is hard! You're away, hopefully somewhere beautiful, and you can do anything you want, whenever you want! There's no responsibilities and you're there solely to enjoy yourself. I can see why it would be hard to come back! I think trying to plan your next getaway, or even just thinking about it, can be really helpful! It doesn't have to be a big getaway but something to help you have that motivation can be really helpful!
@fruityPond7887 This is a great tip! Thanks for sharing. I find myself doing this. I console myself towards the end of the vacation by telling myself to look forward to the next one.
@comfortableNight4463 That's great that you have those motivational skills! I hope that we all can find jobs that don't make us hate waking up in the morning though! You deserve to be happy everyday! ❤️
@fruityPond7887 Thank you so much! I agree, I'm looking forward to the day I don't dread waking up early.
