8 Ways to continue the summer vibes après holiday

Look at yourself all relaxed and refreshed after an epic getaway. What’s that? You traveled to a new destination. Experienced a different culture. Dined on tasty food. Took long walks. Communed with nature. Caught up on your sleep. Read the book that’s been on your bedside table for as long as you can remember. Learned a local pastime and now you are hooked. No wonder you are glowing.

Bonus points. Your workplace did not fall apart without you. While you were tempted, you did not look at your emails. Not one bit of work – except on your sleep and that new interest. Bravo.   

Good news. The magic doesn’t have to end here. Before you slip into the post-holiday blues or get entrenched in your next project, take a few minutes to reflect on your time away. With a few simple tweaks, you can extend the summer vibes.  

Brain still in holiday mode? No worries. Here are 8 ideas to get you started.

• Take it outside

It’s no wonder you sleep better, experience a mood boost and are more relaxed on holiday. Soaking in the sun and being among nature are super effective ways to reset your body and mind. Now that you are home, look for ways to get back outdoors. Go alfresco with your meetings, lunches, coffees and dinners. Host a picnic, cookout or ice cream party on the lawn. Tap into your favorites. The sky is the limit.

• Keep up the selfcare   

Just like on holiday, make yourself a priority. Be purposeful in nurturing your mental and physical health. Add breaks into your day. Get a massage. Read a book. Meditate. Do sports. Focus regularly on what fills your tank. Do the stuff that creates the best version of you. Not only do you owe it to yourself but to your family, friends, clients and all those who look up to you.   

• Be social

Reconnect with your network. Reach out to valued people you have not seen lately. Catch up over an iced coffee, meet at a new café or visit the latest exhibition. Discuss what is on the horizon. Explore potential areas of collaboration. Host a “best of summer” networking social with stakeholders, colleagues, vendors and referral sources. Create positive connections in a relaxed environment.  

• Resist the urge to illuminate your “always on” sign  

You did a great job disconnecting during your holiday. Now that you are back, build on this strategy. Scrap the need to be available 24/7. No one expects you to be accessible around the clock. Make a personal pact to end your workday at a reasonable hour. Give yourself a break from emails, texts and calls when you leave the office. That goes for nights and weekends too.

• Keep your adventurous spirit alive

Be curious. Brainstorm new approaches with colleagues and clients. Ask questions that challenge the status quo. Explore new territory. Start an interesting project. Expand an existing focus or offer an additional service. Identify alternative events, associations and groups to participate in. Write an article for a trade group, launch a podcast, volunteer to serve on a board or support a cause. Do something you have always wanted to do for yourself and your career.

• Continue your walks

You started a good routine, now keep it going. Walk to work, at lunchtime or afterhours. Invite a colleague or a mentor/mentee for a “walk and talk” session. Get to know a new co-worker or a prospect on a stroll in an inspiring area near your workplace. Start a walking group in the office or with members of your network.

• Capture your relaxed spirit with a new headshot

One of the best times to have a portrait made is after your vacation. Your relaxed spirit will shine through in your updated images. Schedule a session with a professional photographer. Find one who will make it enjoyable and bring out the best in you. Have fun displaying your new pics on social media and in print. Don’t be surprised if your photos create a “buzz” of activity with your network.   

• Look toward your next getaway

A little advanced planning will help you maximize your vacation time. Identify long weekends and holidays with bridge days and put placeholders on the calendar. Go to a dreamy location. Visit an old favorite. Sign up for a weekend retreat or workshop. Learn a new skill or brush up on an existing one. Meet up with friends and family. Whether it is a weekend escape or a special holiday, give yourself something to look forward to. Sprinkle a few pics from your chosen destinations around your desk to build anticipation.     

Here’s to continuing the endless summer vibes long after your holiday is in the books.