How to Get Your 'Stella' Groove Back by Josh Huck, Owner, Estimatica Cost Estimating

When we leave work for a vacation, we often incorrectly assume we will come back refreshed and recharged. Most often times we don’t, and it can be difficult to get back in the groove of things.

I've learned that when taking vacation, to always leave a day or two after returning home to decompress, unpack and get caught up on everything home related. If your flight back from Costa Rica lands at midnight on Sunday and you show up at work Monday at 8- you're going to have a bad day.

Even allowing yourself a day or two, it's tough to get back in the saddle. So, what are some ideas to help get your groove back?

Chances are you had a routine before, so stick with it if you did. If not, start one. I always start with a personal list. How many times am I going to work out this week, how much time am I going to take each day this week for my hobbies and/or for myself, what do my meals for the week look like, how much do I need to dedicate to the office while not taking away from the 3 previous personal things, etc.

Getting back to and/or establishing a routine is a huge help. Also, mini rewards can help too. This can be as simple as 'Get through the first few days and you can have thirsty Thursday' or 'Don't murder Brenda before lunchtime on Monday and you can have a Snickers when you get home'. 

I've found, as have others I've spoke with about this, that it is crucial to plan for an easier transition week back before you even leave for your break. Set a half day or a full day aside when you return for admin type tasks, getting meetings and tasks lined out, responding to emails, etc. Ease back in, and set yourself up for a productive remainder of the week.

Stick to your personal promises of eating/exercise/kids/hobby time. Give yourself a post vacation splurge reward for having a good week back - be it a movie, a few drinks or an hour hiding from your family in the closet with a spoon and a jar of Nutella.

Try and remember that you are still as important to yourself as you were on vacation and that you have just as much personal value once you return back to the chaos of your normal personal & work life.