I wanted to make this blog/video for two main reasons:
the covid bans were lifting at the time this video was posted, and more people were going back to work after weeks or even months of being stuck at home;
as a wannabe world traveler, I know how difficult it can be to go back to a job after an amazing experience, especially if that job feels mundane and pointless.
However, this feels even more important today, as creating a healthy work-life balance becomes increasingly more difficult. Everything costs more but your income may not have kept up. Which means more work, more financial stress, and less quality time for yourself and your family.
Whether this is about regular daily life or returning to work after a leave of absence (medical, personal, maternal or paternal, temporary layoff, a long pause between jobs, or returning to an office after being remote) you will need to adjust. Here are some tips I found to be very helpful at any stage in life, but especially for going back to work.
Job Alignment: Ensure your job aligns with your goals. It doesn't have to be your dream job. But is it working towards that goal? Is this job giving you the experience that you need? Helping you pay for school or pay off debt? Helping you save up for an investment? Not everybody wants that fame and fortune. If this job is giving you the flexibility that you want to spend more time with family, to harvest your land, or whatever it is, then you can remind yourself of that so you can feel good about going back to work. If this job doesn't align with your future goals, then you may want to consider looking for a better fit. Just remember to be realistic and confident in your abilities and goals.
Keep in Contact: Stay in touch with your boss and your coworkers during your leave. This will help them feel like you didn't abandon them and neglect them. But more importantly, there won't be any big surprises for you when you return. Going back can already be a lot to manage even without any big surprises. Staying in touch can help keep your first day back smooth and your coworkers are more likely to be welcoming and willing to help you get back on track.
Morning Routine: Even if you had one before, depending on the length or reason for your leave, this could be a completely new you. When you are on a long leave, chances are you're not the same person returning to work as you were when you first left. Even if you haven't changed that much, a good morning routine can really help you start your day with the right attitude. This can significantly improve your overall work experience. To get motivation and more detailed tips on creating the perfect morning routine for you, view Amy Landino with Good Morning Good Life. Watch one of her videos here!
Prioritize: To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it is important to make to-do lists so you can clear your mind instead of subconsciously focusing on all the tasks that need to get done. Then you need to prioritize those tasks. Focus on what needs to be done first, then shift your focus as needed. If there are waiting periods, utilize this time to complete a small task or to de-stress when needed. Keep in mind, this to-do list may change through out the day, and a new list should be made fresh each day.
Avoid Procrastination: Resist the urge to put things off, especially in the initial weeks back. Tackling tasks promptly will reduce stress and prevent a build-up of work. It can also help to reduce depression and anxiety. If you need to, refer to the prioritized to-do list you made. NOTE: rest and mindfulness are not procrastinating, see next tip.
Schedule Relaxation: With all of this planning and doing, it is important that you also plan dedicated time for yourself to relax and de-stress. Whether it's in the morning or evening, make it a priority and do not feel guilty about this. Sip on your coffee while you look out a window, go for a walk, write in your journal, watch a few quick videos with headphones, whatever helps you relax. Do this both at the office and at home. Prioritizing your stress level and scheduling time for it can give you something to look forward to and can help prevent burnout.
Ask for Help: Don't hesitate to ask for help from coworkers, friends, or family. Talking about your challenges can be very beneficial, and people often enjoy helping others. Many of us struggle with similar problems, so if you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed don't be afraid to talk about it. And when you open up, others are more likely to feel comfortable opening up as well. If you don’t already have a supportive culture at work, it’s time to start developing one.
Be Kind to Yourself: Adjusting to work after a long leave takes time. If you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and increase your relaxation time until you feel more settled. If you can’t take it at work, add more relaxation time at home or take a longer route on your drive to decompress in your car. Remember, life isn't a race. Small steps will lead to success.
Lifestyle changes are hard and usually can't be done overnight. So just keep making small adjustments until you get there.
If you have any tips that help keep your work life in balance, or has helped you cope with returning to work, please share them in the comments below! Share this blog or video with anyone who might find it helpful. We're all here to support each other, and helping others often helps ourselves.
With love and care,
Miranda Jones CEO of Celebrate MiLIFE
P.S. You can also watch, listen, or share the video version:
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