Switching Off And Breathing Out
Now, more than ever, it’s incredibly hard to switch off from work when on holiday. With increasingly demanding jobs, endless digital devices keeping us connected to work wherever we are, and a shift to remote and hybrid working blurring our work/life boundaries even more - it can feel almost impossible.
However, many of us know the affect this “always on” culture can have on us, leading to serious implications for our physical health and mental and emotional wellbeing. Time off, and properly away from work, is essential to looking after ourselves. Fortunately, we’ve established some tried-and-trusted top tips to help you leave the desk behind, and really take some time off.
Plan Ahead For Time Away
Whilst planning our holiday can be incredibly enjoyable - from where you’ll stay, what you’ll visit, and how long you’ll spend sleeping in or lazing in the sun - we can often forget one of the most crucial elements of planning that can allow us to truly switch off from work while away.
Planning ahead for time off, ensuring your inbox is as cleared as possible, your out of office is on, and unavoidable projects have been delegated to others in your absence, will ensure no pesky phone calls or messages ruining your trip, and a calm return to the office when you’re back.
Work is the last thing we want to think about when we’re preparing for a break away - but ensuring colleagues have your projects in hand, clients will know you’ll be away, and that your return to work won’t mean being overwhelmed by confused enquiries will mean you can properly relax and unwind.
Step Away From Your Inbox
Our digital devices can be a great help in our working lives, but an absolute hindrance during our time off. As we use our phones or tablets to record our trip and keep connected with friends, they can also be huge temptations to check up on work whilst away.
To avoid falling into this pitfall, make sure to temporarily disconnect your work email from home, sign out of any work social media accounts, and mute any in-app work conversations that will pull you out of the relaxation of your time off. Those conversations and updates will still be waiting for you when you get back - there’s absolutely no need to jump into a Zoom meeting update while lounging on the beach.
Recognise That Time Off Makes Us Work Better
If you still find it difficult to switch off, you can remind yourself that taking time off and truly relaxing will actually make you more productive and focused on your return to work than if you’d stayed stuck at your desk.
In a study by researcher Mark Rosekind of Alertness Solutions, participants found that those who truly made the most of vacation time to switch off from work and relaxed found a performance increase upon their return to the office of up to 80%, and increased reaction times of up to 40%.
If you want to work smarter, not harder, then taking time off and truly away from work is going to be your best kept secret. It’s clear to see that time off will ultimately lead to higher energy and better focus on the job, lower stress levels, and better mental and physical health.
As Francine Lederer, a Clinical Psychologist and specialist in stress and relationship management explores; "The impact that taking a vacation has on one's mental health is profound. Most people have better life perspective and are more motivated to achieve their goals after a vacation, even if it is a 24-hour time-out.". So, when you book your next holiday - leave the office at home, and truly enjoy that time off.
