Taking a break from work is very important. When done the right way, you’d return to work feeling refreshed, less stressed and ready to handle every hurdle that comes your way.
As an employee, you spend almost every day of your life rushing to your workplace and performing brain-draining or body-exhausting tasks. All of that takes a toll on your overall wellbeing and if you don’t allow your body some time to rejuvenate, it could burn your body out.
Even freelancers who work from home don’t have it any easier. In fact, working remotely actually blurs the line between work and play. You get gigs any time, even during weekends—your ‘me’ time is often cut short as a result.
But you’ve got to truly relax, to take some days off computers, email, calculators, spreadsheets, phone calls, meetings, and stress. Here are 5 ways to make that work vacation count for you:
Plan Ahead Before Going On A Vacation
In order to come back from your vacation feeling refreshed, you’ve got to clean up your desk and cover your bases before you leave. Clear up as much pending work as you can from your duty rooster and delegate if possible. You don’t want to spend your vacation worrying about the pile of work waiting for you back in the office.
Outline everything that needs to be taken care of and possible issues that may crop up in your absence. When you are fully aware of what awaits you and what you can manage, will make your return back to work easier.
Make It Known That You’re Going On Vacation
Besides your boss and colleagues, inform your clients and employees that you are going away. All the key players that could be affected by your absence should be brought up to speed. You could ask them if you can do anything for them before you leave. You can prevent potential problems from occurring while you are gone when you give an early warning.
Ask Your Colleagues For Help
You can ask your co-workers to help you with some deadlines, meetings or projects that could come up while you are away. Promise to do the same for them when it is their turn to go on vacation or whenever they need your help.
Limit Access To Work-related Accounts
When it is finally time to leave, unplug and disconnect everything that’s work-related, from your email account to your social media accounts. You can create a separate account to stay connected with your loved ones. That way, work-related emails won’t easily intrude on your relaxation period.
If your workplace doesn’t tolerate a total disconnection from work, try to keep your connectivity at the barest minimum acceptable.
Relax And Enjoy Your Vacation
Allow yourself to truly relax and enjoy your vacation. Remember that you owe it to yourself to take care of yourself.
