How do you disconnect from work when you’re hopelessly attached to your job? It’s vital to know when and how to unplug from work for your mental health.
Now, tell me if this sounds familiar:
- You work a typical 8-10 hour shift a day, hardly taking a break for food or water.
- You constantly have the urge to go back to work and attend to the finishing touches
- When you get back home and get into bed, you feel restless.
- You always think that you may have forgotten something and start overthinking.
- Your weekend is all about trying to catch up on work and not catching up on family time or some me-time.
- The guilt you have when you finally find out how to unplug from work and indulge in well-deserved rest.
- You keep telling yourself you should be doing something productive on your time off.
- You don’t feel rested even after you enjoy your time off.
Does any of the above expressions sound anything like you? Then you’re probably overworking yourself.
Taking a break from time to time may seem like the best option: However, it is easier said than done for over-workers.
Indications of overwork
Stress is a major sign that you’re overworked. And side effects include:
- Persistent stress at work premisses
- Deficiency of energy
- Anxiety attacks
- Difficulty to enjoy time off
- Disconnection from friends and family
- Declined quality of work, despite your best actions
Overworking leads to burnout and can lead to health complications and sleep deprivation.
I am trying to say that you need a healthy balance between your regular life and your job to increase good mental health and well-being.
How to disconnect from work and enjoy your time off without the guilt
➜ View relaxation as an investment
Yes, I know you might think I am crazy, but it works! The brain is like a muscle, and just like the rest of your body, the brain needs time to regenerate. Most of us ignore this idea of resting because it sounds lethargic. So, instead of telling yourself to rest, consider it as recovery, as it sounds more active and purposeful.
➜ It isn’t always about you
As an employee, you must understand that taking enjoying time off work isn’t always about you. As a matter of fact, your team members observe your actions and tend to do the same as you, especially if you’re a leader. These actions lead to mass burnout, and if you don’t take some downtime, they won’t either. So, invest in a relaxing holiday that could help you detox, which will show great results.
➜ Take it slow
A busy work schedule means that you barely have the time to go on a holiday. And when you finally decide to take a break, you go ahead and plan on working on holidays. Ironically, it builds up stress when you do this, and you start to rush into relaxation. Your body and mind experience this as a withdrawal causing you to feel anxiety, fatigue, and panic even during your holiday. So, take some time to breathe and take it slow.
➜ Ditch the stress
Focusing on what is scarce sends you into stress mode, making it impossible to unwind. So, take some much-needed time to relax. Concentrate on what you have achieved rather than what’s left to do. Realising that you are relaxed will help you ditch the stress and enjoy your time off work.
➜ Set boundaries for co-workers
Now, the fact is that you may be required to be on call for emergencies. So, you’ve got to establish clear boundaries for co-workers. Pre-plan and set specific working hours with your team and give them a particular time to reach you (unless it is an emergency). For example, you might want to send in a memo letting your team know your schedule (i.e., “Thanks for your message. I’m on holiday but will get back to you first thing Monday.” Or, “I’ll be unavailable after X PM. If you need me after that time, please send me a text or an email)
➜ Set holiday rules for yourself
Set communication boundaries with your co-workers and stay off the grid while you’re off. (Only respond to urgent matters). Be disciplined about staying disconnected from work. So, redirect your work status to ‘Away’ and you to relaxation mode.
In a nutshell, you need to train your brain to go on a downtime once in a while. Become stern about making the most of your time away from work. Start with a small goal like not being hunched over your laptop during a relaxing holiday.
Oh, and don’t be surprised if all the relaxing start inspiring some of the most exciting ideas you’ve ever had! (Which can wait until you’re back in the office).
So, now you know how to disconnect from work and go on a relaxing holiday, we at Travel Center can offer you the best holiday destinations from tropical islands to bustling cities to enjoy time off work. And if you do decide to take a much-deserved break, call or drop us a line, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
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