Back To Work San Antonio!

By rerockstar • December 27th, 2009

The Christmas Hangover

No, I’m not talking about the alcohol-induced hangover (although a few people might be reading this with one of those). I’m talking about the “we’ve had so much fun over the holidays and now we have to go back to work” kind of hangover. It’s never fun to try and get back to your daily routine after spending so much time relaxing with friends and family. Of course, we still have one more holiday coming up, but that one happens after work hours and I know most people don’t get the day off.

So as the San Antonio roadways fill up once again tomorrow morning with coffee-slugging commuters, I was trying to think of ways to get back to work, without driving yourself mad. It wasn’t easy to come up with anything, because frankly, no one has a cure-all for the holiday hangover.

Back to work – ways to keep the smile on your face.

Extra coffee – If you’re a coffee drinker like I am, fill up your cup a few extra times. Caffeine is know to elevate moods, so try adding a little more pep in your step with an old fashioned cup of joe. On your first day back to work, keep the pot flowing or stop into your local Starbucks to use that gift card Aunt Susan gave you.

‘Tis the season – Remember, it’s “’tis the season” not “’tis one day of the year.” Smile. Celebrate. Keep the happy feelings flowing. If you spend time wallowing in the fact that you’re back to work and miss the holidays, you’ll probably be pretty unhappy at work. Keep a smile on your face and you’re likely to stay happier.

Remember your place – You live in San Antonio – not some snow-drifted town that keeps your toes numb all winter long. Less than a week ago it was 70 degrees outside. I have a feeling we have some more cold weather before we move out of winter, but odds are we’ll also have some beautiful days.

Time off means time to rebuild – When you took off for the holidays, you left behind work that needed done or business that could wait to be attended to. Get it done. Right away. Much like a bodybuilder working out his muscles after a day of rest, you need to jump back in and get the work done. Slowly easing back into will only make it more painful (like a Band-Aid pulled off slowly).

Look to the New Year – We’re almost there. Think of 2010 as your year. Write out a plan and a list of goals. Then, make it your year. You’ll be shocked at what comes out of writing your plans and goals down. I never thought there was much difference between that and keeping them in my head. I was wrong. Writing them down has a huge effect on their outcome.

Don’t stop – You had a great time with your friends and family, so why stop now? Most of us let our daily lives get in the way. It is possible to work hard and play hard. Enjoy your friends and family. Call them up on a random Tuesday and make a plan to visit or go somewhere else together. Take an hour and chat on the phone. Pop-by unexpectedly (probably works best with your family). Continue the visiting part of the holiday season all through the year. Don’t make excuses that you’re too busy. You’re never too busy to recharge and relax.

Here comes the New Year.

A new year (and a new decade)…a chance to start fresh and make changes. A time to grow and see what else is out there for you. A bit to optimistic? Perhaps, but I’m a firm believer that you can make things happen for yourself if you only try. So take 2010 by the horns and go into it ready for whatever it may bring. The best of luck to all of you, San Antonio! We can make this a great time or we can sit back and watch it happen – now, get back to work!

photo courtesy of ripkas