You’ve earned your vacation time and you’re using it. Good for you!
It’s a well-known and proven belief that vacation makes workers happier, healthier and more productive. However, it’s possible to sabotage your well-deserved time off by not truly unplugging. Does that really matter? Well, yes — not only for your enjoyment, but also because you’ll be a better employee when you come back rested after a real vacation.
To get to that relaxed state, review this list to see if you’re prepared to go off the grid.
- Communicate clearly with your colleagues and strategize with them about your reachability, planning for the minimum amount of connectivity. Plan for one specific way that your colleagues can reach you, if necessary, instead of staying logged into all of your work-related accounts.
- Schedule a catch-up meeting for early in the week when you return to work. You’ll breathe easy knowing you have that on your calendar.
- Craft a thoughtful “away” message for your email and, if you’re going to check messages while you’re away, check them only on pre-planned days or at pre-planned times.
- If you’re traveling, leave your work-related devices at home. If you’re staying home, put your work-related devices out of sight.
- Choose a few activities to pursue when you feel the temptation to check into work accounts. Try books, games or puzzles; exercise; or delve into a personal project. If you are goal-oriented, plot out those goals before your vacation begins.
- Adjust your mindset for your return. Others will be working while you are gone, and things might not be exactly as you left them. Embrace that, and remember that nobody will do things exactly as you did them.
Your job during your time away is to enjoy your vacation, not to continue working or to manage others’ work. So, once you’ve been through this checklist, let thoughts of the office fade into the background. Focus your mind on your vacation experience, turn off your alarm — and relax.