Are you the kind of person who needs things to be neat and organised to be able to relax? You are not alone. Most people both focus better and relax easier if they avoid peripheral distractions. This may involve having a zealously tidy desk when a quotation is to be submitted. Or, when working from home, that you put the dishes away before you can focus on work.

What has this got to do with your holiday break? A fair bit, actually. Resting is key for peak performance. That’s why it’s critical that you prepare for your rest and recreation. Thus, an important advice prior to your holiday is that you, as far as possible, clean out all the rubbish, tough grind, and gremlins. Spend two days prior to your holidays to improve your chances of getting some proper rest. See it as spring cleaning.

Who may disturb you during your holiday, and why?

First and foremost, to really relax you must let go of your tablet, mobile and inbox. A first step in succeeding with such a significant challenge is to write a proper “out of office” message. To whom should customers, colleagues and other stakeholders turn when they can’t get hold of you? The message to your colleagues should preferably also include information about when they actually should contact you. That way, if you don’t hear anything, you will know there is no crisis at the office and there is no reason for you to “call and make sure that everything is ok”. In cases of emergency, your colleagues know you want to be contacted.

Put the starting blocks in place

Fastest out of the blocks has a head start. That’s why it’s critical to put the starting blocks in place. You do yourself a favour as this minimises the drive phase and the energy needed to find your way back to work. Show your workmates and customers that you are a step ahead, not least from the boost it has on your confidence level. Coming back to work is a lot more fun when you don’t have to start uphill. Here are some tips for how to set out starting blocks:

  • Before you start your holidays, book in a couple of customer meetings for your first day back. Some prefer a soft landing back at work with no meetings during the first day, but it may be what makes you stand out and win over the customers. Be a step ahead and go the extra mile.
  • Keep your calendar free from internal meetings during the first week and schedule them for the second week instead.
  • Set up call lists already now, so they are ready to be worked through once you’re back after the holidays.
  • Have a think about what your three most important deals are when you’re back after the summer break and what actions are required to close those deals. Write down the actions and leave them on top of your desk for when you get back to the office.
  • Last but not least, if your emails have been waiting for you for four weeks, then they can wait another two days. Don’t focus on your emails until you have called everyone on your call list above.

The other thing is to set reasonable expectations for what needs to be done before you go on holidays and thus to avoid a frenzy of work at late hours during the last week. Stress during the last week only means it takes longer to wind down and relax once you start your holiday. Block off some time for planning, prioritising and to set your starting blocks. That’s an investment that will yield good returns once you are back at work again!

All the best and have a wonderful summer!

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