Write a summer letter to yourself where you list everything you are proud of achieving during the spring. What habits have worked well? Is there any time you have had too little of or even missed? For example; reflection time, time for exercise, focus time? How can you incorporate more of that in the fall? Several of our participants write a welcome-back letter to themselves before the vacation. They read it with great pleasure on the first day after the vacation. Below is an example of such a letter.
Welcome back from your vacation
Dear [Your Name],
Welcome back from your well-deserved vacation. I hope you had a wonderful time recharging your batteries and giving yourself some recovery. When you return to work, transitioning back into your regular routines can sometimes be challenging. To help you smoothly get back into the workflow and manage your time effectively and sustainably, I have compiled some time management tips:
1. Prioritize and plan
Take a few minutes to assess your workload and prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Use a to-do list to manage your tasks and clarify your priorities. This will help you regain focus. When you went on vacation, you believed it would be smart to start the fall with the following tasks; _________.
2. Set realistic goals
Avoid overloading yourself upon your return. Set realistic goals and break down larger tasks into smaller manageable steps. By setting achievable goals, you can regain your productivity and feel a sense of progress.
3. Manage email and communication
Start by going through your emails and voicemails, prioritizing urgent messages and responding promptly. Use email filters, folders, or labels to organize your inbox and streamline communication. Consider scheduling specific time blocks during the day to address emails and messages, and avoid constant interruptions.
4. Delegate and collaborate
If possible, delegate tasks that can be handled by others in your team. Effective delegation can reduce your workload and empower your colleagues. Additionally, collaborating with team members on shared projects can increase productivity and efficiency, so reach out and coordinate with them as needed.
5. Avoid multitasking
While it may be tempting to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, it often leads to decreased productivity. Focus on one task at a time, complete it, and then move on to the next. This method will help you maintain concentration and deliver quality work.
6. Take breaks
Make sure to schedule regular breaks throughout the day. Short breaks can boost your energy, concentration, and well-being. Use this time to stretch, meditate, or simply step away from your workstation to refresh your mind.
7. Learn from your vacation
Reflect on the positive aspects of your vacation that helped you relax and recharge. Identify activities or habits that promoted your well-being, such as exercise, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing hobbies. Incorporate those habits into your daily routine to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
For example,
The habits I wish to incorporate in the fall using my calendar are:
Schedule recurring time for exercise on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
Schedule recurring focus time on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons.
Schedule recurring time for weekly planning on Fridays, answering the following questions according to the LEGO-model:
Living – How is living going? (feeling in flow, tired, restless, stressed, understimulated, strong?)
Experience – What have you learned this week?
Greatness – What has been energizing? What is significant to you right now?
Ominous – Do you worry about something? Do you worry that something bad is going to happen?
8. Maintain open communication
If you feel overwhelmed or have difficulty managing your workload effectively, don’t hesitate to communicate with your boss or colleagues. Open communication enables support, guidance, and potential adjustments to ensure that you work sustainably and healthily.
Remember that it takes time to return to work after a vacation, so be patient with yourself. By implementing these time management tips and gradually returning to your routines and habits, you will soon regain your efficiency and joy in work. I am glad to be back and look forward to a rewarding autumn!
Best regards,
Your name
We at Petra Brask & Partners wish you a wonderful summer, regardless of how little or much vacation you have during the summer months. We are taking a break and will be back in mid-August.
Take care.
Summer greetings,
Petra Brask, Jan Winstedt, Ingrid Hegg, Monica Dupouy, Sara Olén, Eeric Brask, Nina Sundin
Summertime is when life becomes simpler, and the days become longer. It's a time to explore, relax, and enjoy the warm embrace of the sun.
