Routines Can Make The Transition Easier
The summer is a great time to relax and recharge, but it can also be a challenge to get back into the swing of things when you return to work. Here are some tips on how to create new routines after your summer break.
Reflect and Assess
When you get back to work, it can be easy to slip into a routine that hasn’t changed much since last year. While this is a great way to catch up on any tasks you may have been putting off (or simply need a break from), it’s important to reflect on what you’ve done over the summer months.
For starters, take some time to reflect on the fun you had with family and friends. You spent weeks or even months together this summer—soak it all in! You deserve some time away from your desk just as much as anyone else.
Next, review some of the accomplishments you had over the summer; personally and professionally. A vacation can be an opportunity for learning and growing and it is easy to gloss over what you might have learned or accomplished, while taking some time for you.
Set Goals for the Next Couple of Months
Having a clear idea of where you want to go is the first step to getting there. A good way to start is by setting some goals for the next few months.
These goals should be realistic and achievable, but still challenging enough that they’ll push you outside of your comfort zone. You can also break them down into smaller chunks if it helps with motivation—e.g., if one big goal is too daunting, try breaking it up into two or three smaller ones!
Setting goals isn’t just something for business owners: everyone in any profession needs some kind of direction in order to know what they’re doing every day and how they’re doing it better than last time. Don’t forget to set some goals with your staff and make sure they are engaged as well, coming out of summer.
Rethink your Schedule
Your schedule might have been thrown off kilter during the summer holidays. Perhaps you’re used to getting up early and working on your business, but now that the kids are home all day, things have changed. You may find yourself waking up far later than normal and having less time to work on your business at night. If this is the case for you, then it’s worth making sure that you are scheduling in blocks of work time into your day so that nothing falls through the cracks.
Get Back to Routines
Establishing a routine is important to getting back to business. Routines help you feel more in control, and they also make it easier for you to manage your time and energy. If you’re someone who tends to be a little scattered or disorganized, establishing a regular routine can be exactly what you need.
Set Boundaries
This means setting boundaries with friends, family and co-workers. You don’t have to feel bad about saying no! It’s okay if they get mad at you now, but they will appreciate it in the long-term.
In addition to setting boundaries with others, it’s also important that you set boundaries for yourself by taking time out of your day for self-care. If this means going on a walk or watching an episode of your favorite show, then do it!
Cultivate Healthy Habits
Develop healthy habits, such as exercising or meditating, that you can do every day to take care of your body. This will help you feel more energized and productive throughout the day. If you don’t already have one, try creating a morning routine (for example: wake up at 6 am, drink coffee or tea, take a shower/shave/brush teeth etc.).
Set goals for yourself every week and keep track of them by writing them down somewhere visible where it will be easy to see them every day (on your fridge door perhaps). Refer back to these goals regularly to keep yourself motivated
Using these tips you can get back to business and start the new school year with a bang. It is great having the time away, but you will even feel better once you get back on track, building the business you desire.
