How to Refocus After a Major Life Event. There are simple ways you can help yourself get back on track when life takes an unexpected turn.

No matter how much we prep and plan, we will never truly be in total control of the things that happen in life. Sometimes those things can be major events that are difficult to get through. When these events happen, taking time off can be crucial in helping you manage your work-life balance.

Obviously everyone processes things differently, though. Some people prefer to be alone while others may look to keep working and remain with people. To help you get back on track, here are a few general ideas that have helped others return to work and move forward with their lives after a personal tragedy. 

Communicate your team.

How much information you divulge is up to you, but, explaining how you’re feeling can be better overall. Most likely, your boss and your colleagues want to be sure that you are okay. Being open and honest can help you get back into your work.

If you feel that having more work will help you to better focus, you may request additional projects. On the other hand, if you feel overwhelmed, ask for help. You may consider delegating some of the work and slowly getting back into things, provided your work allows this. You may need someone else to take the lead on a major project — and that’s okay. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. If you are upfront, you have a better chance of them understanding and listening to your concerns rather than assuming that they’ll figure out what you need. However, don’t expect your coworkers to share your grief. 

Set the tone.

Most likely your colleagues will want to check in with you and offer their words of encouragement. Some may want to talk about it while others might be afraid of saying something wrong. You can choose how you want to address the topic.

For some people, addressing the topic through an email can help you maintain control of the situation while also opening up a way to communicate with you. If it gets overwhelming, you can move away from your emails to focus on something else.

If you don’t feel comfortable letting out so much information, let your boss know. When colleagues stop by to offer condolences, thank them but change the subject quickly. Hopefully, they’ll get the hint but if they don’t, you can politely ask to not talk about it.

It’s not the easiest topic to talk about so don’t hold it against anyone if they misspeak or don’t speak at all. 

Read more: inc