Written by: Debbie Green
As a wellness coach, I’ve noticed many of us feel re-energized as we return to work after a long vacation or short break. This renewed enthusiasm is deeply ingrained in our psyche. It’s as if we’re programmed to view this time as a fresh start, full of potential and opportunity.
Learn how to maintain your post-vacation energy and how working with a coach can help. Sometimes, new techniques can help you plan to overcome obstacles or shift your thinking. A coach won’t tell you what to do, but they will offer suggestions, strategies, and ideas when you feel stuck and follow up with coaching questions. Here are just a few strategies to get you started in the right direction.
Keep Your Vacation Alive
It’s crucial to avoid the trap of becoming overwhelmed or simply hanging on until the next holiday or vacation. That’s a recipe for burnout and stress.
During a vacation, we typically engage in activities that nourish us on multiple levels — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. We rest, exercise, read, connect with loved ones, and perhaps engage in activities that feed our souls. The challenge is to incorporate these elements into our everyday lives.
One approach I often suggest to my clients is to view their time through the lens of what I call “compassionate existence.” This involves consciously addressing our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being daily. This helps us to maintain a level of energy that allows us to live with an “effortless presence” as we transition into the next season. Regular check-ins with a coach can help keep you accountable to your goal of being conscious of your well-being.
21 Packets of Time
A practical strategy to implement compassionate existence in your daily life is the “21 packets of time” approach, recommended by my co-host, Laura Thomson-Staveley, on the Secrets From A Coach podcast. This concept, rooted in ancient wisdom, suggests that our days naturally divide into 21 segments over a week (morning, afternoon, and evening for seven days). By consciously allocating these packets of time, we can ensure the balance between work, rest, and personal activities.
I often remind my clients that our bodies and minds thrive with structure. While we might resist the idea of timetables as adults, the truth is that having designated times for work, breaks, and meals can help us feel more balanced and energized. If one segment of your day doesn’t go as planned, don’t let it spill over and affect the rest of your day. Each new time block is an opportunity for a fresh start.
Remember, it’s not about pushing yourself to the limit but about finding a sustainable rhythm, allowing you to thrive professionally and personally.
5 Actions You Can Take to Avoid the Post-Vacation Slump
Alternatively, sometimes we experience the post-vacation slump — that feeling of sluggishness and lack of motivation that often hits us when we return to work after a break. A coach help you work through these five practical suggestions.
The Power of Reflection
In my coaching practice, I’ve found that taking time to pause and reflect on your achievements can be incredibly energizing. Instead of dwelling on what you haven’t done or all the tasks still on your to-do list, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.
Recognize Accomplishments
I often encourage my clients to start their team meetings by highlighting what they’ve accomplished so far. This simple shift in perspective can transform the energy in the room. It reminds everyone that they’re part of a capable, achieving group rather than victims of overwhelming circumstances.
Set Intentions
The post-vacation period is an excellent time to reassess your goals and realign your focus. I like to use a technique I call “The Three P’s”: Personal, Professional, and Purposeful goals. Work with a coach to set one goal in each of these areas. This balanced approach ensures you’re focused on work and your overall growth and well-being.
The Importance of Connections
Make an effort to reconnect with your colleagues. Share stories, catch up on personal news, and rebuild those social bonds that make work more enjoyable. In my experience, strong workplace relationships are a key factor in job satisfaction and productivity.
Learn Something New
Another energizing strategy is to seek out learning opportunities. Is there a new skill you’ve been wanting to develop? A conference you’ve been meaning to attend? Learning enhances your skills and injects fresh energy and ideas into your work.
Re-energizing isn’t just about work. It’s about nurturing all aspects of your life. As we move into different seasons of the year, remember that you have the power to shape your experience. Hiring a coach can help support and guide you on this journey, by providing an outside perspective and a listening ear.
Remember, you have unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that no one else has. Embrace them, nurture them, and use them to make your mark. You’ve got this!
You are not just existing but creating your reality every day. Ask yourself, “What can I learn today? How can I make a positive impact?” A coach can help encourage you to approach each day with curiosity and openness. Ready to find a coach to help you energize every day? Find someone to help you adapt helpful techniques and tools to your situation by using the ICF Credentialed Coach Finder.
More About the Author
Debbie Green is the founder and a wellness coach at Wishfish Coaching & Development and co-host of Secrets from A Coach podcast. For more information, visit: wishfish.org.uk and secretsfromacoach.com.
