The holiday season is around the corner. This means you’ll have more time to relax and spend with people who matter to you.
For those who are Type A go-getters we often have a harder time switching off. We feel guilty for taking time off. In fact, a recent Time article reveals that 42% of Americans say they frequently feel guilty about relaxing.
So how do you actually enjoy the holidays without stressing out and be present with your loved ones?
Here are some tips:
1.Tell people you are taking a break
Inform clients, colleagues and people who may be affected when you are on holidays. Put your out of office message on.
If you dare, let them know you will be unreachable for X amount of days and to call back when you return. And don’t bother leaving a message because it will self-destruct as soon as they hang up. 😉
Granted, depending on circumstances, not everyone can afford to go completely off the grid. So decide how long you can afford to be disconnected for. If it makes you feel better knowing someone is holding the fort, provide a point of contact in lieu of your absence in the event of an emergency. Do what feels right for you to give you the peace of mind you need.
2.Trust yourself to delegate
Delegate as necessary to your team and confidante. This helps to empower others and give them a sense you respect and trust them in doing the work. It can also help you realize the breadth and depth of how capable and talented the people you entrust are to share the work with.
3.Prepare as required prior to taking off
Make a list of all the things you need to do before you leave. What are some loose ends you need to tie up? What are some things you can do to get yourself ahead of the game when you return?
Find ways to automate and explore systems to un-clog yourself from day to day tasks, i.e. paying bills, setting up auto-responders. Set up a system where you can access important stuff if you really had to do remote work.
4. Set work hours
In the perfect world, you want to not have to spend time thinking about work until you return. However, if for whatever reason, you do need to work remotely, pick a time of day and set a fixed timeframe. i.e an hour in the morning where you would be available.
This way, your crew back home knows when they can touch base with you. Your loved ones will also appreciate knowing when not to impose during that specific timeframe and can plan activities around it to keep the flow of holiday mode intact.
5. You are not that important
Yes, I said it. In the grand scheme of things, your business or work is not going to fall part in a week where you are disconnected and unreachable.
In the end, life is not all about work.
Realize it’s normal we all need a break. It is not only critical for our mental and physical health to recharge and attend to our stress, it helps reset our perspectives. It gives us an opportunity to re-examine the things we do, why we do them. It lets us see what is important in our work and personal lives. It enables us to choose how we re-allocate the way we spend our time.
You also never know when inspiration may strike you when your mind is relaxed and clear, giving you your next great idea.
So instead of feeling guilty and contributing to the work-martyr lifestyle, let’s start a trend and set an example. Help break this mentality society has ingrained upon us that the more we do, the more we are worth. Let’s replace it with the more we take the time to replenish our spirit, the more we can serve with more energy and focus and be on our A-game.
Also by Theresa: 11 Best Tips for Stress-free Travel
6 Things We all Want to Hear but Don’t Say Enough
20 Simple Ways to Take a Break
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Photo: Igor Trepechschenkok via Barn Image
