Does the idea of missing work sound stressful? Do you wait until you’re completely burned out before considering a holiday? Is your boss insisting that you take some time off?
Workaholics can find it difficult to leave the office behind. They may even feel that it’s less stressful to keep working than to take time off. But everyone deserves a break, a chance to recharge the mind and body and pamper themselves.
If this sounds like you, then following these steps can help you make the most of your holiday time.
Before you go
Holiday prep for workaholics includes more than just booking tickets and properly packing a suitcase. Get yourself into the right headspace now for full relaxation benefits later.
Reframe how you think about holidays
For workaholics, holidays are defined more as time missed from the office rather than as a chance to get away. You may even view holidays as a guilty pleasure. No wonder it can be difficult for workaholics to relax!
Rather than focusing on “missing out,” think of holidays as a necessary way to recharge your body and mind. A little rest and relaxation may actually make you more productive at work1 when you return!
Start relaxing early
Your holiday should ideally start before you leave the office. If you’re stressed right up until you clock out, it can be hard to suddenly switch to relaxation mode.
Plan your final work week to ensure all important tasks are completed on time (or earlier). Anything that can’t be finished before you go should be handed over to a trusted colleague. It can be tempting to stay back every night before your trip, but resist the urge to do so. Instead, allow yourself plenty of time to complete your tasks, and “practice” relaxing at home by setting aside an hour each night for soothing activities, like reading or a warm bath.
Set an out-of-office reply
An out-of-office reply sends a clear message to colleagues—and yourself!—that you’re not working. By letting everyone know that you won’t be accessing emails, you can better manage their expectations.
Away messages can also help limit the amount of emails you receive, making it less tempting to check in whilst you’re away. Remember to include contact details for colleagues who are filling in for you so you don’t become a point of contact for non-urgent enquiries.
Whilst you’re away
Workaholic traits can unintentionally sabotage a holiday. Keeping these habits at bay can help your trip go smoothly.
Don’t over-plan your trip
Many workaholics are also perfectionists, often planning their days down to the minute. Whilst this may be useful at the office, it can quickly ruin a holiday.
Trying to stuff too many activities into your trip can be exhausting and make your holiday feel like work. Allow yourself and your travel companions time to unwind with no deadline or reservation time looming ahead. Being spontaneous and in the moment can also make your holiday feel longer!2
Do what you love
You don’t want to pack too much structured fun into your holiday, but planning nothing can lead to boredom and the temptation to work. Balance your activities, making sure to do things you enjoy throughout your trip. Getting caught up in sport, site seeing, or a good book will help keep your mind off your job.
Occasional email checks are OK
True workaholics may find it difficult to push work out of their mind completely. What if something’s gone wrong at the office? What if a client needs urgent help? Your mind may wander to a worst-case scenario despite your best efforts.
Checking email from time to time can help reassure you that everything is fine back home. But, setting strict limits will help stop you from slipping back into work mode. Thirty minutes to an hour each morning to read through messages may be a good compromise. And though it may be tempting, don’t do any work. Trust your colleagues to step up and remind yourself that real emergencies are rare.
When you return
Your holiday might be over, but the benefits can last for weeks by taking some simple steps.
Read emails & prioritise tasks
If you’ve managed to completely avoid work emails (well done!), you may come home to an overflowing inbox. This could be enough to undo the stress relief of your holiday. But getting back to work doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Start your first day back by clearing your inbox of irrelevant or out-of-date messages. Focus only on what’s important and prioritise your tasks. Consider leaving the out-of-office reply on for a day or two to discourage a wave of new emails and help you ease back into your job.
Don’t work late
Workaholics may be tempted to work late to “catch up” on missed time in the office, but this will likely do more harm than good. Putting in too many hours in a day can negatively impact your work.
As we mentioned before, regular breaks can improve productivity. Working reasonable hours is important for your career and health. It helps prevent burn out and can keep bad habits from reforming.
Hold on to your holiday habits
Unfortunately, going away every time work gets stressful isn’t an option for most of us. But you can bring a bit of your holiday home with you.
Build time into your nightly schedule for relaxing activities, just like you did before your trip. If you discovered a calming activity during you holiday, such as swimming or reading, try continuing them when you get home. Avoid over-planning your evenings and weekends, and save work for the work hours.
How do you get ready for a big trip? Share your best holiday prep tips with our community on Facebook!
1. The Guardian, Why taking a holiday from work is good for your career
2. Quartz, Simple ways to stretch out your summer vacation
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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