I'll start with this: It is OK to feel anxious about coming back to work.
When you are standing on the outside, all you can see is the pile of work that needs to get done, maybe people you are dreading to confront and a need for a lifestyle shift.
However, at the door of transition between vacation and work, you have an opportunity to come back as a NEW upgraded version of yourself. Do not miss that opportunity!
Here are a few steps you can take to let go of anxiety and come back to work, stronger than ever:
Start With You
You matter the most! If you transition from vacation to work without stopping to self-reflect and take care of your wellbeing, then you are letting go of an opportunity to grow and excel. This is the perfect time to take a few hours, or a full day to sit in self-reflection. Here are a few questions you could use:
- What has been working well for me at work?
- What has not been working well? why not?
- What changes do I need to make at work to be more productive?
- What changes do I need to make at work to show up with more joy?
- What changes do I need to make outside work to allow myself to feel more relaxed?
Take a moment to write down your answers, assess your situation and know that you have the power within you to change.
Upgrade Your Habits
You do not want to go back to work without a solid plan for your physical, mental (and ideally spiritual) habits.
These habits will allow you to show up as the best version of yourself. They will allow you to feel stronger, calmer, more confident, happier and more energetic. You do not need 10 resolutions to make this work. Start simple and small, but have a plan you can commit to.
- What is a physical health routine you would like to commit to? Be specific.
- What is a mental health routine you would like to commit to? Be specific.
- What kind of person would you like to become (at work)? describe them.
- What habits does this person embody to make them show up as such?
Don't Let Emails Rush You
Emails are not your greatest friend! It's a trap!
When you rush towards reading and answering emails, you miss the bigger picture. You allow other people to dictate what your priorities are.
Take time to brainstorm, plan and set goals for yourself first. Keep your first day back at work fully reserved for YOU. Take that time to review your plans for the year, quarter, month and week.
Identify your top goals, lay them down, write your plan, create your to do list.
Once you know what your priorities and next steps are, then you are ready to get back into action.
Breathe
I dedicate a section just for breathing, yes I do!
If you have no time to plan, self-reflect nor upgrade your habits (ummm you do have time by the way), then the least you could do is take a few moments every morning, during the day and evening to invite conscious breathing into your life.
- Long deep breathing: take long deep breaths. Allow your belly to expand on the inhalation and deflate on the exhalation. Do this for at least 3 minutes consciously. Practice this all day.
- The 4-7-8 breathing technique involves breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds.
Both these breathing techniques allow you to feel relaxed, calm and reduce anxiety!
For more breathwork techniques, visit my YouTube playlist on breathwork: breathe with me
Upgrade Your Thoughts
Be kind to yourself. It is OK that you took time to rest. It is great that you took a step back from work for a while. The feelings you might be experiencing are normal and part of any transition. It is OK if it takes you longer time than others to find your way back.
Watch how you talk to yourself. Notice any self-judgemental words and thoughts that are making you anxious (I have too much work, I am late, I am not in the mood, I don't want to do this). Once you notice those thoughts, write them down and realize that you can shift them around to a more positive form of energy.
Every word you say manifests as an emotion in your body.
Instead of "I am late", try "I am in transition and it is normal to take some time off work and energize for the new year".
Instead of "I have too much work to do", try "I am easing myself into work and developing a plan to have a successful year ahead".
Shift your thoughts, shift your emotions. Try it.
Get Support
There is not need to suffer in silence, nor alone.
Getting support along my journey in corporate has allowed me to take a step back, become aware of my thoughts, emotions and actions, and upgrade my life to serve my higher self.
Remember, you are the master of your life! No one dictates how you feel except for YOU!
If you are looking for support and mentorship to release stress and live your ultimate potential, book a breakthrough session with me and let's create a plan for your future:
