Nevertheless, these days I notice quite clearly that my thoughts are slower and it takes more effort to concentrate for extended periods. Especially when combined with long days indoors - both the 'indoors' and the 'sitting' take some getting used to. It's strange, isn't it, that this relative sluggishness at work is seen as something negative, something you should shake off as quickly as possible. That's how I experience it, at least. As a board secretary, it's second nature to me to keep an eye on everything at once, maintain an overview, and ideally preempt all questions. Incredibly efficient and convenient for the organisation.
But even a jack of all trades sometimes stumbles. Moreover, behavior that is valued at work is not necessarily a recommendation on vacation. In any case, my partner is not exactly looking forward to being accompanied by a flashy guide a.k.a tour leader who rushes through all the city's sights in a single day. No, on vacation is when it truly becomes enjoyable, even for myself, once I've gone through my plans and there's room for improvisation and others' initiatives (gasp!). Slowing down brings about many beautiful things. Once I've settled down, I become much more selective in my activities. Using the terms of the Michelin guide: the category 'interesting' (one star) is out, 'worth a detour' (two stars) doesn't necessarily appeal, and whether something is truly 'worth the journey' (three stars), I'd like to judge that for myself. Provided my mind is up for it.
Now that I'm back again and see the hustle and bustle looming ahead, I wonder if it's such a good idea to rev up my summer brain to top gear once more. Of course, meetings need to be prepared, decisions need to be made, committees need to be established... but maybe a Michelin-style classification wouldn't be so crazy there either. Let's see which destinations (read: activities) are truly worth three stars. Because it's actually quite strange. In the jam-packed month of June, the most common complaint is that it's far too busy, that schedules are way too full, and after the summer, we try our hardest to pick up that racing pace once again.
Perhaps a good way to start is by giving each other a soft landing upon returning. And when you hear your colleague say, "Oh, I really need to get back into the swing of things," with a sigh, that's when you suggest, "Come on, let's take a walk outside. You can tell me about your vacation." And then I'll tell you that joke about the cruise (but that's for another time).
This blog was written by Jacqueline Hulst, secretary of the board Faculty of Science