At a recent lunch meeting, a few business friends were discussing their upcoming vacation plans, while a couple of them were making excuses for why they can’t get away. They were grousing about all the things that had to be done before they could leave work behind and really relax. I know how that goes. My “real” vacations don’t usually begin until about the third day out, since like many others I find it hard to leave work behind.
Too many people are bad about taking vacations and when they do finally take some time off, they worry that their company or their department will “suffer” while they’re gone. Some folks can’t resist checking emails and responding to voicemails even when they’re on the beach, in the mountains, or in the middle of the desert. In response, I know a few companies that just shut down over the year-end holidays and then again the week of July 4. That makes things easier for team members, but doesn’t always work out for customers.
To find out if there’s a way to leave work behind and begin recharging the minute the last workday ends I called on one of my business and life coach friends, who shared these ideas:
- Ask a co-worker to act as your “gatekeeper.” It’s difficult to disconnect from work when your calls and emails follow you wherever you go.
- Stop thinking that you are the only one who can do it. Have a backup person who you can delegate any tasks to while you’re gone, then trust and let go.
- If no one at your company really can fill your shoes, perhaps a temp agency can find the right fit for a short-term helper.
- Create time off that fits what you love to do. Whether it’s a staycation or a real getaway, make sure it’s something that allows you to de-stress.
- Plan on taking time for being active along with some time for quiet activities.
- If at all possible, go off the grid. Don’t attempt even a brief work connection in order to ensure you aren’t sucked into additional work. The world won’t end just because you aren’t available for a few days.
- Schedule an extra vacation day to make re-entry easier. Yes, some work may pile up while you’re gone; however, it’s worth it, and if you’re even remotely organized to begin with it shouldn’t take long to get things back to normal upon your return.
A real vacation can give us a boost in happiness, reduce our stress levels, and help us find complete relaxation. This is what it’s meant to do. Taking a few days or weeks to just take it easy and do very little can do wonders for mind, body, and spirit. It’s summer — get out and enjoy it!
Click here to sign up for the free IB ezine — your twice-weekly resource for local business news, analysis, voices, and the names you need to know. If you are not already a subscriber to In Business magazine, be sure to sign up for our monthly print edition here.
