Word-Of-the-Week #730: Deserving
August 2, 2018 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #730: Deserving
Deserving – being entitled & worthy of what you have earned.
Does the thought of taking a vacation make you feel guilty? Do you think you’ll have to work twice as much when you return?
This week is the follow up to the John DiScala, Inc. Union Tribune article, “Back to Reality: How to ease into your work routine after vacation.
To Recap John wrote, “Taking a summer vacation is a great way to relax and recharge your batteries. The good news is that studies show that three days after taking a vacation, travelers report feeling less anxious, more rested and in a better mood. These benefits typically linger for weeks after the trip, but coming back still is tough.
- Don’t go back to work right after your vacation is over.
- Ease your way back into work.
- Bring a little piece of your vacation home with you.
- Interact with others, even if you don’t want to.
Some co-workers may approach you and ask about your vacation. It’s okay to talk about it. The details about how you couldn’t finish your hiking expedition because you realized halfway through that you don’t actually like long trips in the forest will fill everyone with joy and laughter.
You don’t have to hold back in fear of seeming like you’re bragging.
If you’re worried that’s what people will think, start asking them questions about their next vacation or a previous vacation that they reminisce about. You’ll be surprised how much people love talking about their past trips too. Conversations like these help you form bonds with your coworkers that will aid in getting back to business.
- Go to work with a new set of eyes.
I had to come up with a strategy of how to approach a new client about a possible collaboration. Stumped, I decided to wait to connect until after I was done with my vacation. Good thing I did. While I was in a queue for a sandwich (of all places), I got an idea about what I should present that would still be unique and engaging for them.
Maybe you were frustrated with a task before you went on vacation because you couldn’t make it work. After being away from it for a while, you can look at it differently and offer a new perspective. Sometimes you just need time away to get a little jumpstart on your work.
- Take breaks during the day.
Going into full work-mode without any breaks is a recipe for a burnout. Don’t let guilt force you into believing that you have to work yourself into the ground because you were away. At one time, your co-workers also went on vacation. They don’t (and shouldn’t) expect you to break your back trying to catch up in one day.
Be kind to yourself and remember that you deserved your vacation and the time it takes to recover from it. Take about a five or ten-minute break every three hours to decompress and relax. It may seem impossible, but you’ll make it through. Focus on one thing at a time.
This week’s focus is all about “being deserving.” How would it feel to come to work fully refreshed and recharged? Do you give yourself permission to take breaks to decompress? Why would you not take your vacation time if you’re entitled to it?
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