After a moving season of introspection, renewal and recommitment afforded by the Hebrew month of Elul and the Jewish high holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it has been a great joy to sit for the past week in my Sukkah. I have felt a sense of closeness and celebration. Not to mention the great weather, and a quick trip to Rehoboth Beach (yes — a little outlet shopping too!).
And now, the fruits of all that earnest inner effort and rejuvenating rest are about to be brought to bear on the real world nonprofit work I am so privileged to be involved in. The amazing meals are drawing to a close. The sleeping in must end. It’s back to the grindstone I love so much.
If you’re anything like me, a little pre-prep goes a long way toward making re-entry pleasant and productive. Here are a six tips for reentry that help me enjoy a positive return from vacations and other breaks from day-to-day. I’m writing this as much as a reminder for me as I am for you. Hopefully you’ll find it useful:
- Look over your schedule and make sure it’s reasonable. Deal with any conflicts or double bookings now
- Sift through email and turn it into a prioritized to-do list. “Working on email” is no way to spend your first day back.
- Be sure to reach out to each member of your team and let them know you’re available to them.
- Make sure you leave time to take care of yourself. The week after vacation is high-risk time for burnout. Don’t waste the break by breaking yourself!
- Do something to remind you of your vacation every day. It can be something you wear, hanging up a photo, telling a story — anything. Just try to keep the spirit of rejuvenation alive and bring it into your work and your relationships.
- Take time to make a plan for the week. As my father always said, “plan your work and work your plan.” Having a plan doesn’t always mean following the plan, but it inevitably leads to more focused work and a rewarding sense of accomplishment.
Have a great week!