Updated on October 18th, 2018

The Summer‘s not quite over… and yet, it always feels that, with September, a new energy sweeps in: The anticipation of cooler days. Greater focus. And the sense of a re-start. Almost like another January!

Starting our work and everyday life routine again after the summer is not easy. So I thought I’d share my 3 best compassionate tips for how to ease yourself back into the swing of things after summer – or after any longer break! Here comes…

 

 

 

1 Give yourself time to arrive

Some people can arrive from their holiday or break on Sunday night, then start work on Monday morning. I can’t, or rather – prefer not to take the stress this causes me…

Can you? Yes? Good for you. But if you’re like me, then give yourself at least a day between the end of your break and the start of your work.  Recover from travel if you need to. Do the practical stuff, like unpacking and washing. But most importantly, give yourself time to arrive.

As per the story of the American Indian Chief who got a lift in a car for the first time. Upon arrival, he got out of the car and sat down cross-legged on the ground, remaining motionless and quiet. When asked what he was doing, he answered: “I’m waiting for my soul to arrive”.

2 Plan ahead and prepare yourself

Make your first days or even week back as easy as possible: Don’t plan any major meetings or too intense activities. Don’t make it too busy. If you can avoid too many pressing deadlines, and keep a lot of flexibility and space in your schedule, that’s a bonus. Some people swear by starting back at work mid-week, to get a short first week back before the next week end.

Along with the previous theme of ‘arriving’ goes the idea of starting to look ahead, and get your body and mind prepared for what’s coming. If you know you’ll be off to an early start, make sure you go to bed early enough to feel rested. Also prepare mentally for what’s ahead of you, so you’re in the right mode by the time you get there.

3 Gently and gradually does it

Starting again after a break can feel quite manic: Not only do we need to get back into a faster rhythm, but the mountain of things that have piled up in our absence and want to get done can be overwhelming. So go easy on yourself on your first day, and even in your first week.

Start with the smaller and easier things. If emails are part of your everyday life, plan in some time to scan them (don’t try to work all of them) and respond only to those that need to be answered first. Take time to reconnect with friends and colleagues. If at all possible, see if you can stop working early in your first week, or even take some afternoons off.

What are your September-Starting-Again-Strategies?

Let’s hear them in the comments boxes below!

And if you’re looking for a different kind of re-start, and want to make  a change in your life, check out these resources:

How ready are you for change? – Do my short and fun quiz and win a prize tailored to your readiness.

Book your free 30 mins Clarity Session – Clarify where you’re at in your life. Identify what would most help you right now. And take away one practical thing you can do straight away. Just a friendly conversation; no obligation.

Work with me – Choose from 3 tailored programmes to break through a specific issue, to discover a life you love, to create a life you love!

In any case:

Have a great start to September, whatever you’re up to!

Photos: Pixabay