Make that holiday count - Recharge your batteries, continued

Many of us will view the holiday break in very different ways. Some will look forward to the time away from work, to spend ‘quality’ time with the family whilst others dread the two week break with the ‘screaming kids’ and wife nagging to get the DIY completed. I have known colleagues who can’t wait to get back to work whilst others seem to need a course of Valium to get them through the first week back. Whichever perspective you take, the reality is that time out will make a difference, and you can choose to spend that time out wisely in order to make the difference that you want.

Having just returned from a relaxing few days of chill out myself, I was amazed at how just three days away from the office had such an energising affect upon my return. Now you might think that as a coach I should know this, and of course I do, but I am also human and know only too well the pressures that we so often put upon as ourselves as we look to satisfy the diverse areas of our life and career.

Think of recharging those batteries as an investment into self. Putting self first for a period of time it is about replenishing energies, physical, emotional and intellectual so that you are best able to give quality output on your return. This is not about “being selfish” but considering your self as first priority, the result being that as you become more relaxed, those around you feel the benefit too. Communications become more rational and you are less likely to blow a fuse when the little things irritate. Let those around you know that you need time alone and make shared plans for the time you are together – in other words, gain their support.