Taking time off over the holidays is incredibly important for your wellbeing. Holidays, while they can be quite stressful in themselves, are a fantastic way to relax, re-energise, and get yourself ready for the new year. Going on holiday can also improve your work life by reducing stress, improving mental clarity and productivity, and reconnecting you with your loved ones.
Time to Destress
With the year we’ve had, taking time off to destress is incredibly important. Taking time off gives you the chance to take a step back from the pressures of work, and focus on other things that you enjoy. Being able to focus on the fun stuff stops you from overthinking and worrying about your work life, which in turn reduces your levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and leaves you feeling happier and more relaxed.
TIP: While you’re in this relaxed headspace it’s a great time to review last year’s goals. Celebrate your successes and look back to see where you may have liked to achieve a little bit more. Did you have any personal or professional triumphs? Could unachieved goals be moved to next year? Do they need to be changed slightly? Reviewing your 2020 goals is a great place to start goal-setting for 2021.
Boost your Productivity
Taking time off allows you to destress, so your brain is more focused and clear (because you’re not thinking about a million things at once). This enables you to approach life, tasks, and problems, with a fresh mind.You’ll be able to make better strategic decisions and work on your plan for the year because you can come up with creative and innovative ideas.
TIP: Often when you’re relaxed and having fun, you’ll find that ideas will pop into your head. Make sure that you have a way to keep those ideas for later. You could keep a notebook with you, use your electronic notes on your phone, or try sending yourself an email.
Time off to Reconnect
There’s 168 hours in a week. Seems like a lot right? Let’s break it down:
On average we spend 40 hours a week working (hopefully) and 56 hours sleeping. That leaves 72 hours hours (or 3 days) in your week. But do you use all of that time to connect with your loved ones? NOPE! Because that doesn’t include any of your work commute time or any life errands like housework, shopping, cooking, hobbies or sport/exercise. Not to mention school drop-off and pickup if you have kids!
It’s a miracle we ever get to spend time with our friends and family!
Making an effort to take some quality time off gives you the freedom and space to spend that time how you want. You can use it to reconnect to yourself by treating yourself, doing something you enjoy or just relaxing alone. It’s also the perfect time to make memories with your loved ones, whether they be your friends or your family. Go away for a weekend, have brunch dates, organise a potluck, enjoy a show. Use your time off to let your hair down and have some fun!
TIP: Try not to talk about work while you’re on holiday. It could stop you from enjoying your holiday, and it might annoy the people you’re with. If you’ve got some admin work to do, or you get a sudden burst of inspiration, set some time aside to get things done so it’s not interfering with your holiday.
We hope you all have a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. We look forward to seeing you next year!
Want a space to do these things in your work week?
Come along to one of our lighthearted networking events!
