Entrepreneurs go on vacation too, although likely not as often as we should. It’s pretty common for people to use an upcoming break as the light at the end of the tunnel to get through another work week. In fact, people are more productive before a vacation. Some, definitely often for myself, even say the day before vacation is the most productive of the year. Soon after you depart, you’re digging your toes into the sand and inhaling the cool salty air rolling off the ocean. Then that all-too-familiar feeling roles around, and just as quick as that vacation suddenly arrived, that your vacation has an end. This usually means an overflowing inbox, projects to get caught up on, and a mountain of responsibility (and maybe fires) waiting for you.
Take Care of Yourself
Physical health has a direct relationship to mental health. Use this to your advantage on that dreaded first day back. A good night of sleep can go a long way to start your morning in a positive state of mind. Take a planned tech break in the woods to reset your circadian clock.
Ease Yourself Back In
Unplugging completely can be hard on an entrepreneur’s vacation, but work-life integration can be used to your advantage. Taking a peek at what you have coming toward you after returning from vacation can ease the stress of the unknown. People often have the tendency to imagine something to be far worse than it turns out to be, and knowing what you’re walking into will help you plan your first day back. I ask my Director of Operations to email me the night before so I know what to expect my first day back and this has been an amazing way for me to ease back in.
Talk to People
The people around you are the greatest resource for getting back on track. Emails and reports can give you information, but your co-workers can give you the full picture. Take some time to speak with those around you to find out what you missed, what’s coming up, and what should be prioritized. Plus, they will want to hear about your awesome trip! Make sure to get them something special to show how much you missed them and appreciate them.
At my agency, we’ve added a fun thing to our vacations, which is to bring back a magnet for our fridge. It’s a wonderful reminder of vacation and all the fun places our team has been. I love going by our kitchen fridge and seeing all the amazing places our team has been to.
Time off is essential for clearing your mind and relaxing, but maintaining healthy work-life integration techniques will ensure longevity and the ability to return productive and comfortable. I’d love to hear from you and how you get back to the workflow after a vacation!
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