3 Ways To Make The Most Of A Post Holiday Workday
I don't know about you, but the workday after a holiday has always felt a little disjointed to me. On one hand we should be ready to take on the world after an extra day or two of rest, but on the other hand, I find myself longing for more of that personal or family time that I got during the day off. Add in all the uncertainties of this season, and If I'm not careful, I can find myself meandering through my day and not getting anything of real value accomplished.
To ensure that I don't waste time on these unusual days, I focus on three key activities. They are:
Relationship Building
The day after a holiday is the perfect time to have a deeper conversation with others about how they spent their time off. Asking questions like, "What made your time off meaningful?" can give quick insights into what motivates someone or adds value to their life. If you listen well, you'll find that you can have more meaningful talks with them in the future about what is of interest to them.
Focusing On The Bigger Picture
Your mental and emotional energy are normally higher after a day or two off from trying to get everything done. Don't squander these resources by diving back into your normal routine. Set aside some time to reflect on your goals, think strategically, and perhaps begin work on a project that you know can have a big return on investment for you, your team, or your organization.
Plan Ahead For The Next Weekend-Or Day Off
One of the reasons I am a little slow to get started on the day after a holiday is because I have such warm memories of time spent engaging in a favorite hobby, reading a book while sitting on the back porch, or enjoying massive amounts of time with my wonderful family. With those thoughts still fresh in my mind, I look ahead to the coming weekend and proactively plan to do some of these same activities. Doing so helps me focus on delivering my best work this week so I can fully embrace the coming weekend.
Summer is here, and even though our normal trips and activities are limited by the pandemic, I hope you’re doing what you can to renew your physical, mental, and emotional energy. Just don't let the positive experiences of that time away limit your effectiveness once you return to work, wherever that is these days.
