Adjusting to holidayitis

We’ve all had it, we all know what it’s like.  When you have been somewhere on holidays or even just at home and then the time comes when you have to return home, return to work, return to routine and often return to all the old stuff that used to happen.

Do you ever notice how when you are on holidays you wake up early but happy, doing jobs you had to do at home like playing with the kids, making food or washing seem easier or less bothersome to do and stress levels are much lower.

But what point is there to having all this if it ends the second you get back home?

As I’ve just come back from holidays myself I started to think about this.  We came from beautiful sunny Queensland back to our home in Sydney and a 7 degree temperature drop and this rain and today I was back in full swing packing school lunches, dropping my son at school and catching up on the mail and jobs that I didn’t do while sitting on the beach for 2 weeks!

So it got me thinking, how can I retain this feeling I had on holiday but at home?  What changes can I make to make my life here easier, less stressful and more relaxed like on holiday?  Obviously I can’t sit on the beach every day here (especially when it’s raining) and we all need money to pay bills.  But there are some changes you can make that can help bring that holiday feeling into your everyday life.

The first thing to do is make a list of what you enjoyed so much about your holiday.  Was it getting away from the structure of a routine, was it having more time to relax, was it being able to let go?  For example, my list was 1) I was able to slow down and not race around everywhere; 2) I only did what was essential not everything I could do; and 3) I got to do some things I love like going to the beach and hanging out with my sister.

So the next part is, how can I incorporate those changes into my life?  Well for starters this morning I talked to my kids about us all slowing down.  Why rush to school?  If we have already left a bit late (which doesn’t matter really) why then rush to school?  Rushing the drive to school is not only not as safe as driving slower but it’s pointless.  It doesn’t get me there any faster but what is does do is get me there more stressed then when I left.  So we agreed to slow down, we aim to leave by 8.30 but even if we leave at 8.45 does it really matter.  Even if we missed the bell and I had to get a late note does it really matter?

Of course if you have to be at work it probably does matter, but as long as you get there on time 80% of the time I’m sure it’s fine.  But even if you are late and you shouldn’t be, does rushing to get there really help?  It certainly doesn’t make you very productive when you are stressed and flustered, it actually slows productivity.

Next on the list, only doing what is essential.  On holidays obviously you do have the choice to do nothing but what matters, usually eating and bathing and perhaps making a few calls.  It’s easy when you are away to leave the house work or cleaning up as you allow yourself to say I’m on holidays I’m not doing it!  But when you get back you can evaluate how much you do that isn’t necessary and how it is your choice to do these things.  If your house is anything like mine, I can spend time cleaning up only to find the same mess back there again in about an hour (which is really discouraging!) which makes me think why am I busting my butt to clean up when I don’t even get to enjoy it for a day!

There’s a point especially with kids where you just have to leave the mess for a few years until they get older otherwise you drive yourself crazy trying to clean up or getting angry at them to clean up their own mess before they are able.  So have a look at the things you ‘have’ to do and see if you can cut things down.  If you leave the washing up one night but end up having a great relaxing night and feel great isn’t hat worth it?

Also if you do too much for others start to ask yourself why and pull back a bit.  Just because ‘you can’ do it doesn’t mean you should.  Mothers especially do so much for their children and husbands and often feel taken for granted. You don’t have to do it all children or just a partner.  My rule of thumb is if you do it and don’t expect anything in return (even a thanks) then do it.  If you find yourself getting resentful that you are not appreciated take it as a sign you are giving too much and need to pull back and let others take care of themselves.

The third thing is doing more things you love.  Often during our busy lifestyles doing things we love gets put last right at the end and there is often never time for them.  We spend most of our lives at work so it’s important to either love what you do or make sure you are allocating time in your free time to do some things you love.  Make a list of the hobbies or activities you love doing and find ways to fit them in.  Even if you started doing one exciting thing per week your life and enjoyment will improve.  It might be more family time, more time with friends or more alone time.  Whatever it is find a way to fit it in as you are worth it!

I guarantee you if you implement these small changes they will have a profound impact on your life.