In this post, Jen Sorensen shares tips for getting back in the game after a leave …
Yes, I’m back at work from my maternity leave and working at getting my head above water, so to speak.
Eight weeks away from your position sure influences your work load, your state of mind and your stress level, once you return. I have now been back in the game for 5 weeks, and you’d think by now I’d feel fully caught up and level – but I don’t… almost… but not quite. I have found that the primary reason is that my responsibilities do not, for some reason, wait for me to play catch up!
Although I’m not completely caught up, I have made immense progress and I’d love to share a few of the things I have put in order to help facilitate this…
- Be as organized as possible — not just physically but primarily mentally
- Try to thoroughly figure out and discuss what may have gone on or what decisions were made while I was out that will affect my responsibilities
- Take it a project at a time (this has been hard for me because I tend to multi-task, which I’ve learned in the past is NOT the best way to always work — and has also been discussed by Ann in an earlier post)
- Deep breaths — sounds simple, but when I feel overwhelmed, this helps (oh the beauty of air, that is clean air, to be exact!)
- Work where I feel comfortable — and thankfully we have an open workspace established in the office, so on the couch by the fireplace has been the place the last few days!
- And, the one that I think has truly helped me stay focused and on track is listening to music. Now I tend to go for the electronica/trance or dubstep style; but I also at times need classical — just depends on my mood and the project, to be honest! The well-paced, defining beats just keep my head in the game. Oh and I listen to it quite loud — that’s the key!!!
Well, I’m glad to be back and look forward to the many, many wonderful experiences I’ll be a part of and share with my team!
