Going on vacation is supposed to be your downtime- an escape from the pressures of work and everyday life. However, according to time.com, 6 out 10 employees have worked while on vacation. So, it’s no surprise that these same workers come back from vacation feeling stressed out less productive. Don’t let this happen to you. Here’s how to take a vacation and really enjoy it.
Say You’re on Vacation and Mean It
With the rise of smart phones and tablets, it’s harder than ever to really escape your workload even when you’re on vacation. However, just because you can be reached via text, email, or phone call that doesn’t mean you should be available.
When you’re on vacation, you’re going to need to delegate your responsibilities to someone else while you’re away. Make sure all of those emails, phone calls, and text messages go to that person. You need to disconnect yourself from the office and enjoy your time away.
Set your voicemail and automatic email response to notify anyone trying to reach you that you are out of the office for a few days. Don’t forget to provide the contact information for the person filling in for you.
Get Off the Grid or Power Down Your Devices
The easiest way to disconnect from work while on vacation is simply to be unreachable. Booking a vacation at a spot off the grid or with very little cell and internet service will benefit you greatly. According to mnn.com, a study conducted by the University of Kansas uncovered that “unplugging” from your devices and venturing out into nature can boost your creativity by 50%.
While it may not always be possible to vacation somewhere that you will be off the grid, you can unplug from your devices by simply powering them down while on vacation. If you’re worried you’ll miss emergency calls from family or close friends, set a single ringtone for important calls, and only answer those calls.
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