Written by Jayne Reah, Edited by Milly Geoffrey.
You may be soaking up the sun by the pool, but is your mind still stuck at the office?
In today’s fast-paced work culture, taking a well-deserved holiday often comes with a side of stress, guilt, and a nagging sense of impending work disaster. No one should have to question whether their hard-earned time off is worth the extra stress it often brings.
Research indicates that stress levels can surge in the week leading up to a holiday. As you frantically tie up loose ends at work and finalise travel plans, you might find yourself working until the very last minute—perhaps even sending emails from your phone as you sit on the runway!
Boarding the plane in a state of frazzled anxiety means you may not even recognise the onset of your holiday. It can take days to unwind from this pre-trip stress, and by then, you could be facing a holiday that has already lost its spark.
Many professionals worry that their absence will trigger chaos back at the office, leading to unproductive behaviours such as overloading their schedules before departure or refusing to delegate tasks. This not only heightens stress levels but can also lead to feelings of resentment and frustration when you’re physically away but mentally still entrenched in work.
So, how can we alleviate this holiday-induced stress?
Here are some practical tips to help you enjoy your well-earned break without the weight of work on your shoulders:
1. Prepare, Plan and Prioritise: In the run up to your holiday identify your most pressing tasks and focus on completing those. This will help you feel more in control and you can put them to the back of your mind once your holiday begins. Tackle your workload well in advance of your holiday. Aim to leave only the most urgent tasks for the 48 hours before you leave. Consider planning your first day back to ease the transition and avoid the overwhelming “Sunday blues” that often accompany returning from a trip. Block out your diary for the first morning back and minimise meetings during your first couple of days back.
2. Create a Support System: Engage your colleagues and boss in your plans. Discuss your absence ahead of time, so everyone is aware of your workload and can assist in your absence.
3. Define Your Boundaries: Set clear expectations with your team about your availability during your holiday. Communicate these boundaries firmly but kindly. Decide in advance what and when you will engage in work if at all.
4. Disconnect: Make a commitment to unplug from work once your holiday begins. Set up your out of office and honour the boundaries you set for yourself.
5. Give Yourself Time to Transition: Take at least half a day before your holiday to prepare mentally and physically. Use this time to shift gears and embrace the idea of leisure.
6. Manage a Wandering Mind: When thoughts of work intrude on your holiday, ask yourself: “What’s the worst that can happen?” Often, you’ll find that your worries are exaggerated, and that the world will continue to turn without your constant oversight.
One of the biggest challenges in disconnecting from work is the stream of intrusive thoughts that often pop up at the least convenient times—like when you’re trying to relax at the poolside bar with a mojito. To truly savour your holiday, try bringing your thoughts back into the present moment , engage in your surroundings and enjoy what’s in front of you.
Now, take a deep breath and remind yourself: You deserve this break. So off you go—enjoy your holiday. It’s time to recharge and reconnect with the joy of living outside the office. Bon voyage!
The Author, Jayne Reah is our Work Stories Co- founder and resident executive coach. To find out more about Jayne click Here
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