The holidays are an opportunity to relax, recharge our batteries and make memories with our loved ones. Unfortunately, many of us can have a tendency to not let go of work completely – even when we’re on holiday. So how do you avoid taking work with you on vacation? And why is it even important to take time off and leave work at the office on your days off?
Why is it important to take time off?
Having complete time off during the holidays and leaving work behind is crucial for our mental health, creativity and work-life balance. By giving ourselves time to disconnect and recharge, we can return to work with not only new memories, but also renewed energy and a fresh attitude to work. Here are some of the greatest benefits of making an active effort to avoid work altogether during the holidays:
Better mental health
If you are constantly attached to your work and feel the need to check emails and follow up on tasks, this can lead to stress and burnout over time. The holidays give us time and space to do things that make us happy – such as reading a good book, exercising, enjoying nature or spending time with our loved ones. This recovery time is essential to rebuild our energy and reduce stress levels so we can return to work with good energy.
Increased creativity
The holidays give us the opportunity to explore new places, cultures and experiences, which can give us a wider horizon and a fresh approach to our work. By letting go of work and opening ourselves up to new impressions, we can stimulate our creativity and find inspiration for innovative solutions and ideas. When we return from vacation, we will have a richer experience base to draw on, which can contribute to our professional development.
Better work/life balance
One of the keys to a well-balanced life is maintaining a healthy work-life balance. When we constantly take work with us on vacation, the boundaries between work and leisure can become blurred, and we can find that our vacations become more stressful than relaxing. By taking time off and putting work on the shelf, we can dedicate our vacation to delving into our personal interests and building relationships.
3 tips to let go of work whilst on holiday
But how can you best prepare for a holiday without the urge to check your email inbox and squeeze in tasks here and there? Here are three good tips to avoid working on holidays.
1. Plan and organize in advance
Before leaving for the holiday, it is crucial to plan and organize your work tasks, so that you can feel safe about taking complete time off. Identify important tasks and deadlines and make sure to finish or delegate them before your vacation begins. Communicate clearly with your colleagues or employees about your vacation plans so that they are aware of your expectations and responsibilities in your absence. By being well prepared, you can reduce worries and focus on enjoying your vacation to the fullest.
2. Set clear boundaries and communicate them
It is important to establish clear boundaries between work and free time. Inform your work that you will not be available during the holidays unless it is an emergency. Turn off your work phone or leave it at the workplace to avoid the temptation to check work emails or messages. Also let your colleagues and closest business partners know how they can contact you in an emergency, if necessary. Clear communication about your boundaries will help create an understanding that you need time to relax and recharge.
3. Immerse yourself in what makes you happy
To shift focus away from work and truly enjoy your vacation, try to focus on being present in the moment and give yourself permission to enjoy your vacation without worrying about work-related things. You can do this by prioritizing the activities that make you happy and make you relax.
Familiar with the different holiday rules?
There are several rules you should be aware of in connection with taking time off. If you are interested in learning more about them, you can dive into our various blog posts, which focus on the many rules and conditions linked to a holiday.
