Welcome Back After a Long Break: Tips and Inspiration

Happy New Year!

For those of you who were/are members of Stress Less Music, you may have noticed that I took a little break from the organisation: for 18 months! I had a wonderful opportunity to both take up an important executive managerial role, and to contribute to a very worthy new NFP organisation.

That role finished at the beginning of December and I've since enjoyed a month's leave. I'm very excited to be back at SLM and to share what I learned about the world (and myself) with you.

This is what I've been thinking about and "doing" during my month's leave:

Taking a long break from your usual routine can feel like stepping away from your own life. Whether you paused for personal reasons, health, travel, or simply to reset, returning after 18 months can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. How do you reconnect with yourself and embrace this new chapter? This post offers practical tips and inspiration to help you welcome yourself back with kindness and confidence.

A peaceful corner inviting self-reflection and calm

Start with Gentle Self-Reflection

Before jumping back into your old habits or new goals, take time to reflect on your journey. Ask yourself:

• What have I learned during this break?

• How have my priorities or values shifted?

• What parts of myself do I want to reconnect with or rediscover?

  
  

Writing in a journal or simply sitting quietly can help you tune into your feelings. This process is not about judgment but understanding. It sets a foundation for welcoming yourself back with compassion.

Rebuild Your Routine Slowly

After a long pause, trying to do everything at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on rebuilding your daily routine step by step:

• Choose one or two habits to reintroduce each week.

• Prioritize activities that bring you joy or calm.

• Allow flexibility to adjust as you go.

  
  

For example, if you enjoyed morning walks before, start with a 10-minute walk around your neighborhood. Gradually increase the time or add new elements like stretching or mindful breathing.

Reconnect with Your Passions

Long breaks can shift your interests. Use this time to explore what excites you now:

• Revisit hobbies you loved before.

• Try new activities that spark curiosity.

• Join local groups or online communities related to your interests.

  
  

If you loved painting but feel rusty, sign up for a beginner’s class or watch tutorials online. The goal is to enjoy the process, not to achieve perfection.

Set Realistic Goals for Growth

Setting goals helps create direction, but after a long break, keep them achievable:

• Break big goals into smaller, manageable steps.

• Celebrate small wins to build momentum.

• Be patient with setbacks; they are part of growth.

  
  

For example, if you want to write again, start with a daily 5-minute free writing session rather than aiming for a full novel immediately.

Prioritise Your Well-being

Your physical and mental health are key to feeling like yourself again:

• Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated.

• Get regular sleep and rest.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress.

• Seek support if you feel overwhelmed.

  
  

Remember, self-care is not selfish. It’s the foundation for reconnecting with your true self.

Rebuild Social Connections Mindfully

Social interactions can feel different after a long break. Approach reconnecting with others in ways that feel comfortable:

• Reach out to close friends or family first.

• Attend small gatherings or events that interest you.

• Set boundaries to protect your energy.

  
  

You might find that some relationships have changed, and that’s okay. Focus on connections that support your growth.

Embrace Change and New Opportunities

Returning after 18 months means you are not the same person you were before. Embrace this change:

• Stay open to new experiences.

• Reflect on how your break has shaped your perspective.

• Use your fresh outlook to explore opportunities you might have missed.

  
  

Change can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and renewed purpose.

Practice Gratitude Daily

Gratitude helps shift focus from what’s missing to what’s present:

• Keep a gratitude journal and write three things you appreciate each day.

• Notice small moments of joy or kindness.

• Share gratitude with others to deepen connections.

  
  

This simple habit can boost your mood and help you feel more grounded as you welcome yourself back.

So thank you for your company, for reading this long post, and perhaps for commenting with your thoughts on a similar experience.

Caroline x