Are you guilty of checking in with colleagues whilst away on your summer break? Are you regularly wondering what is going on around the boardroom table? If so, you’re not alone. Many employees find it difficult to switch off when their extended vacation time arrives, simply because they belong to the office family and they want to stay up to date. However, in terms of giving your brain a rest and relaxing your entire body, it’s vital that you find a way!
We are given a set amount of annual leave or holiday time every year for a reason – we need it to be able to function! It’s not healthy to work every single day, all year around, and if you want to work to the best of your ability, be productive and successful at your office chair, taking your holidays is important, but enjoying them is even more important!
So, how can you do it?
- Avoid emailing or messaging colleagues on social media about work matters
- If you do speak to colleagues who are friends also, keep work out of the conversation
- Set up an auto reply on your emails and don’t check them until you return to your office desk
- Have a different ringtone on your phone for work and don’t answer it whilst you’re away
- Tell yourself every day that this time is your time, and that you are enjoying a hard earned break with those close to you, or simply with yourself
- When a work thought pops into your head, visualise pushing it away with your hand and place it in a visualised box, to be opened when you return to work
If you can avoid thinking about work whilst you’re away, you’ll be far more refreshed and able to focus when you do head back.
Do you have any useful switching off tips?