Out of Office: How to Fully Disconnect and Enjoy Your Vacation
Taking time off from work is a well-known method for helping to clear your mind, restore your focus, and increase wellbeing.
“I know all that!” you may be saying. “But I have too much on my plate for time off!”
How do you take time off and disconnect when it feels like everything is urgent and everyone depends on you? Furthermore, how do you create space for yourself at work so you can enjoy your vacation without interruption – including leaving your work phone and laptop at home?
Book the time. No one is going to do this for you, so make sure you plan it for yourself. Look at your calendar and book the time off.
Set realistic expectations. If your team is building a project timeline, be the advocate for making sure the timeline accounts for time you and others will be away.
Be a cultural leader. Create a team culture that allows people to take much-needed time off, and set the tone that people do not have to attend a call or respond to messages while they’re on vacation.
Communicate. Ensure your colleagues, clients, and other people you work with know that you will be away. Make sure it is visible in your calendar, in your email signature, and other places where people might check your availability.
Delegate tasks. Find someone who can step in to support your projects while you are away. This might be another internal team member or might be external support to keep projects moving.
Hiring external support can help keep projects moving while you disconnect and enjoy time off.
Work can feel overwhelming when timelines are moving quickly, and it seems like everything depends on you. With some planning and communication, you can take the time off you deserve without guilt.
Med Ink Consulting has proven experience with a variety of deliverables for medical affairs teams, including education materials, meeting support, and landscape assessments. Contact us to find out how we can offer reliable support while you take time off.
If you are experiencing severe burnout or other mental health challenges, a vacation may not be enough. Please consult a mental health professional.