I’m currently away for 5 nights on a fun city break. I’m excited to be exploring somewhere new. Buy why oh why do we all run ourselves into the ground before we go.
We seem to fit as much as possible in at work, working at a pace which really isn’t sustainable although we secretly wish we could work like that all the time, as it would mean we would get through our to do list in a quarter of the time!
Both myself and my friend were yawning so much as we waited for our flight to take off and it was only 5.30pm. We realised we had ramped up our work hours and now we were actually on the plane we could relax as there is nothing else we could do.
I don’t think there is anything I can say or do that will prevent me from doing the same, every time I go on holiday. We all do it and there is no getting away from the pre holiday work load.
But what are some techniques we can do to help alleviate the stress of the countdown to holidays? I’ve come up with a few ideas to help:
Pick three things to work on each day. You can do more of course, but pick your three most important tasks that have to be completed. Make sure they are achievable. If you know each of the three tasks will take a day to do, the pick one and choose two smaller tasks. The idea is you achieve all three and then you can pick up more if you have time.
Don’t throw your usual routine out the window. Yes it’s busy and you are not convinced you are going to complete everything, however, it’s important to take time away. For example, if you usually go out for lunch with friends, then keep that in the diary. Or if it’s a lunchtime walk then keep doing that each day of your final week. You want to ensure you continue to have a good balance of work and time away from your desk. This will help to reset, relax and refresh, perhaps helping you to see things from a different perspective or even give you a moment of clarity. So never underestimate the power of a break.
Be realistic. Say no or not now to people, let them know you are going on holiday and will pick it up when you come back. I know I say yes to so much and then realise I have over committed and end up working more just to complete the task. But people understand we take holidays and are not available all of the time. Don’t feel pressure to do everything, schedule meetings in the diary for when you are back.
Meetings. At the start of your final week or even the week before, cancel down any non essential meetings. Rearrange for mid week the week you return. Only keep the vital meetings in your diary and give yourself more time to complete what needs to be done before you go. Schedule in some ‘keep free’ time in your diary so you have empty space you can fill doing your tasks.
Exercise. Make sure your are not all crunched over your desk day in and day out on the run up to your time off. Sit up and spend a few minutes stretching or walking about. Have a look online as there are many exercises you can do at your desk. However, get up and go to the kitchen to make yourself a cup of tea or coffee or even to get some water. Move around the office. Don’t cancel any sports sessions or gym sessions before your time off, keep going and use this time to work out your frustrations and also to keep yourself moving.
Essential oils. If you work from home put a few drops of rosemary essential oil in a diffuser, oil burner or even in a wee bowl with some water and sit it on a radiator to evaporate. Rosemary is great for mental clarity and for helping to boost your productivity. Take a moment to inhale it’s fresh aroma and breathe deep before continuing on with your day and getting things done!
Never feel bad for taking time off work. You are entitled to it. So use those days as you wish. But be kind to yourself in the lead up to the time off. You will be back and people can wait. Plan your final week and follow the advice above, to be less stressed and be able to leave work on your final day knowing you’ve done all you need and can now relax and enjoy!
Have a great week. Look after you.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 