Introduction
Being busy is great, but being too busy can have severe physical and mental health implications. While it’s easy to get very focused on the significant work projects coming up, you always need to make sure you’re putting your health first.
Whether you’ve been considering a city break or a beach holiday, keep on reading to find out why it’s so crucial for you to take some time off.
When Should You Use Your Vacation Days?
Of course, when it comes to vacations, you can’t always walk in and demand time off. However, the longer you put off taking vacation time, the more urgent it’s needed. Long periods of work without breaks put you at a higher chance of burnout, and your productivity can slip too.
Not only that, but when you take a vacation, you should aim to be away from work for a minimum of 8 days. This time frame allows you to fully relax and reset before returning to work afterwards. This won’t always be possible, so if you can take any break, a smaller one is better than none at all!
What Is A Burnout?
Burnout happens when you feel exhausted from work or continually overwhelmed by work-related problems. This happens in cases where there is prolonged physical, emotional, and mental stress.
Burnout issues have been rising in the past few years, as many of us have suffered from extra stress and increased workloads during the pandemic. If you experience burnout, you’ll be unable to keep up with the demands of life, and this can result in some people spiralling into depression or anxieties. We all need to step back and take a vacation more than ever.
How To Avoid Burnout
If you’re starting to notice symptoms of burnout, there are a few steps you can take to reduce this unwanted condition. While taking a vacation is one of the most effective ways to beat burnout, it’s not always possible. Keep on reading to explore other effective methods of battling burnout.
Make Your Office Pleasant
Some of the main burnout symptoms will leave you feeling resentful towards your office. However, small changes like some ergonomic office furniture or some office decor will help you feel more positive when working.
For example, an ergonomic office chair will keep you comfortable and improve your working posture. This will leave you feeling slightly better about your day, as it reduces back strain. Other more superficial ways to enhance your office space include adding plants or flowers, as these can freshen the air, and nature has an overall positive effect on us.
Organize Weekend Trips
If you can’t book work days off, try to utilize your weekends. In this day and age, many of us spend our weekends on the couch trying to get as much rest in before the next week starts. While this is understandable, it can be more beneficial to take a weekend trip or make plans with loved ones.
Once you start switching up your time off on the weekends, you’ll likely feel more refreshed. Just make sure you don’t over-book yourself, and take an evening per week to rest up too. A self-care night is always important!
Enjoy the Small Moments
When we’re tired and stressed, the days often pass us by without us even noticing. It’s tough to be mindful when it feels like the world’s against you, but one of the most important ways to avoid burnout is to enjoy the small moments in life.
Whether you appreciate your lunch more than usual or spend an extra five minutes enjoying your favourite song, take time to be thankful for these moments. Unfortunately, we all have to work, but you can take time to enjoy the little things.
Take A Workout Class
Another way to feel better if you can’t take a vacation is to embrace an exercise class. As you may know, getting active releases wellbeing hormones in your brain. The more often you exercise, the better you’ll feel. These days you can even combine exercise and work, for example with a modern desk bike!
Be Strict About Work Boundaries
Finally, if it feels like your work is getting too demanding, take a moment to reevaluate your work-life boundaries. Bosses and clients that email in the evenings can be frustrating, but don’t be too tempted to reply. IF your contract is for a 9-5 job, don’t let it spill over into your personal time. This goes for weekends, too. Though overtime is tempting, evaluate your self-care needs too.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, you should always put your mental and physical health first. That’s why it’s essential to take frequent vacations from work, as these allow your brain to reset. If you’re unable to take any vacation days, try out some of the tips above to make sure you avoid burnout.
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