The Stress-Free Vacation Blueprint for Leaders (Part 2)
Welcome back!
My last post, Part 1 of “The Stress-Free Vacation Blueprint for Leaders” provided you with valuable insights on how to prepare for a stress-free vacation. Now that you've enjoyed your well-deserved break, let's jump into Part 2 to ensure your return to leadership reality is just as smooth and stress-free. Get ready to conquer that inbox, manage time like a pro, and keep that vacation glow shining longer than you'd ever imagine!
10 Post-Vacation Sanity Strategies - Your Seamless Back-To-Work Plan
I don’t know about you, but getting back from vacation can be a bit of a roller coaster! On one hand, I love being able to get back into my routine (I’m a creature of habit), and on the other, those post-vacation blues and the stress of returning to work/adulting can feel overwhelming! If you didn’t read Part 1, I highly recommend skimming through the tips because I can’t tell you how thankful I was to pre-vacation Kiki for planning ahead to allow for a more seamless transition back to work and life!
Before we get into the Post-Vacation Strategies, allow me to outline MY first week back from my vacation and how it helped set me up for success:
First, per Part 1, I booked our vacation to return on a Thursday. I gave myself a transition day on Friday to catch up on emails and then I had the weekend to unpack, do laundry, take care of myself, and get situated for my official week back at work.
On Monday, my official first day back at work, I had put time blocks on my calendar for catch up time, reminding myself of my pre-vacation projects/tasks that allowed me to quickly assess priorities (we all know how quickly those can change when you’ve been out). This also allowed me to have a day without too many meetings to catch up and align on anything that happened during my time away. The meetings I prioritized were the ones with my team to review delegated tasks, catch up on how things went while I was away, and celebrate any accomplishments or wins.
By Tuesday, I was back in the swing of things but was still appreciative of the time blocks that allowed me to be productive with less effort. I had time to reassess my pre-vacation priorities and projects, make any adjustments, and have clear goals for the coming weeks.
The rest of the week went smoothly and I even forgot about the fact that I had pre-planned an additional day off about a week after my vacation (the following Friday) for a “wellness day.” ← This may seem like a luxury, but it’s now a requirement for me! I came back to work the following week completely integrated, caught up and ready for anything that came my way!
Now that you’ve seen a peak into my post-vacation routine, let’s review some essential post-vacation sanity strategies that you can take to seamlessly reintegrate:
Reflect on Your Vacation Experience:
Take some time to reflect on your vacation. What did you enjoy the most? What did you learn about yourself during this time off? Reflecting on these aspects can help you carry the positive energy from your vacation into your work life. For any of the Yogis out there, I like to think of this like Savasana where you’re spending a few moments to allow all of the benefits of your practice to integrate.
Ease Back into Work:
As mentioned in Part 1, avoid scheduling important or stressful meetings on the first day of your return. Instead, dedicate the first part of your day to easing back into your work routine. This might include catching up on emails, reviewing your calendar, and getting reacquainted with your projects.
Bold Bonus Tip: Want to level up your post-vacation game? How about planning a "Soft Landing / Transition Day" at work? That means giving yourself a buffer day between your vacation and full work mode. Use this day to settle in, readjust, and plan your catch-up strategy. It's like giving yourself a gentle parachute landing after an adrenaline-filled vacation jump!
This vacation was the first time I utilized this tip and it was greatly appreciated upon my return. I used this transition day to organize my workspace, catch up on emails, and attend to any immediate matters. This helped me avoid feeling overwhelmed on my first official day back at work.
Review Your Pre-Vacation Checklist:
Revisit the checklist you created before your vacation. This will serve as a helpful reminder of what you need to tackle first. Prioritize tasks that need immediate attention, schedule time blocks on your calendar to complete any project related work, and delegate or postpone non-urgent tasks.
Engage with Your Team, Assess Your Delegation:
Have a meeting or a casual conversation with your team members to catch up on what happened during your absence. This will help you understand any critical developments and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Review the tasks you delegated before your vacation. Were they handled effectively? Recognize and appreciate your team's efforts, and provide constructive feedback if necessary. Acknowledging their work fosters a positive work environment.
Set Clear Goals & Celebrate Accomplishments:
Let’s be honest, there are always new dumpster fires that are smoldering upon your return from vacation and it can feel overwhelming to tackle everything at once. Take some time to redefine your priorities and goals for the upcoming weeks. Having a clear sense of direction will help you regain your focus and motivation more quickly.
Amidst the rush of catching up, don't forget to celebrate your achievements! Take a moment to pat yourself on the back for the tasks you've completed, no matter how big or small. It's like winning mini victories along the way, boosting your morale, and motivating you to tackle the next challenge with renewed energy!
Avoid Overcommitting:
Be cautious not to overcommit to new projects or meetings immediately upon your return. As a recovering people pleaser, after I’ve had the opportunity to disconnect, I sometimes feel the need to blindly say “Yes.” Bring in some discernment when reviewing new initiatives and give yourself some time to settle back in and assess your workload before taking on additional responsibilities.
Stay Mindful & Connected to Your Vacation Mindset:
Continue to practice mindfulness techniques, like meditation and deep breathing, to help manage any residual stress or anxiety as you transition back to work. These techniques can keep you centered and focused so you are able to be productive without feeling scattered.
Don't lose sight of the relaxed and refreshed mindset you had during your vacation. Incorporate aspects of your vacation routine into your daily life, such as taking short breaks to recharge, prioritizing time for things that bring you joy (for me it was a few minutes of painting or piano scattered throughout my week).
Bold Bonus Tip: Want another tip to level up your post-vacation game? How about planning a "Post-Vacation Wellness Day" about a week or two after your vacation? Even if it’s just an afternoon, plan some time to reconnect with yourself and give yourself what you need amidst jumping back into work! Week 2 after your vacation will be so productive and inspiring when you integrate this tip!
This vacation was the first time I utilized this tip as well and WOW was it useful! I booked myself a massage and took the morning to finish up any additional post-vacation catch up which allowed me to come into work the following week feeling ahead of the game!
Implement Lessons Learned:
Consider any insights or realizations you had during your vacation. Are there changes you'd like to make in your work habits or leadership style based on these revelations? It’s incredible the number of epiphanies that you might have when you allow yourself to fully disconnect! I like to carry a notebook with me on vacation that allows me to take notes so I can review upon my return. Plus, implementing positive changes can lead to a more balanced work life, lowered stress levels, and increased productivity.
Plan Your Next Break:
Lastly, start thinking about your next vacation or break, even if it's several months away. Having something to look forward to can help maintain your work-life balance.
I know it can be overwhelmingly stressful to return from time off, but by following these post-vacation sanity strategies, you can transition back into your leadership role with ease, maintain your well-being, and ensure that the benefits of your vacation extend into your professional life. How do I know? Because I’ve compiled and put these tips to use myself pre- and post- my vacation to Sitka, Alaska and let me tell you, THEY WORK!
Remember, a well-rested and rejuvenated leader is a more effective and inspiring one!
Take that vacation and utilize the tips from both Part 1 and Part 2 of the “Stress-Free Vacation Blueprint for Leaders” to plan for it like a pro and reap all of the benefits of disconnecting from work and spending time taking care of the most important person in your life – YOU!
