Reduce Stress - Don't Forget To Take Your Vacation

By Gail Solish, Personal/Executive Coach

Given that we live in a stressful world, where we are often going full tilt and have many commitments and responsibilities, it is important to take time off. Stop the merry-go-round, take a break, do something totally different, something out of your ordinary work routine. It is a wonderful way to revitalize and re-energize.

Employees who don't take breaks from work, tend to be more stressed and as a result their productivity and creativity declines. Perhaps they believe they can't "afford" time away from their job. The reality is you can't afford not to take time. It is critical to both your physical and mental well-being.

Summertime is often the time when we have a chance to take a vacation. Many businesses slow down so it is a natural opportunity. Of course when people are off, it can put added pressure on those who are still working. This however should not prevent you from taking a holiday. Delegate responsibilities so that people can cover for each other or defer tasks until you or they return. If we assume that people in the workplace are indispensable, we are creating a problem.

One key to creating a successful holiday is to plan ahead. Schedule your vacation time when there might be a lull in your industry or at the end of a project. If you need to coordinate vacation times for your team, create a master schedule and have everyone reserve their time. As a manager you need to set the standard and act as a role model. Establish your own holiday breaks and help your team establish appropriate vacation routines. If you have a team member who has trouble taking time off, you will need to encourage and help them schedule time away from the office.

Don’t forget to leave a voice mail and email message stating you will be away from the office, when you will return and whom they can speak to in your absence. Make sure your team also changes their voicemail. Clients and colleagues appreciate the consideration and then know what to expect.

There is no one set way of taking time off. Some people plan long week-ends or organize their schedule so that they have a ½ day or full day off mid week. Many golfers build this into their schedule. However it has been found that people generally need a minimum of 5-7 days away from the office, in order to fully relax.

OK! So now you have decided to take a vacation, have planned the time off and made the arrangements. The question becomes whether or not to stay plugged in. When did laptops and palm pilots become essential holiday equipment? Do you check your emails and voicemails and respond to them? As you are boarding a plane or getting in the car are you still responding to calls? Do you flinch when your work number appears on the call display, but you answer it anyway? How would it be if you decided to disconnect yourself and really take a vacation? If this thought makes uncomfortable, it would be important to consider what is driving you.

Many people take vacations, but don’t really take a break. When you check in constantly, you never get the opportunity to relax. This is not a vacation. This deprives you and your travel companions the opportunity to really enjoy yourselves. Ask yourself if the need to remain connected is self-imposed or the expectation of your company. Either way you need to make some decisions about how you want your vacation to happen.

It is interesting to note that many workers feel guilty taking time off from work. They have so many things to accomplish and complete, that they don’t feel they’re entitled.
Look at your employees when they return from vacation. Generally they are rejuvenated and are more relaxed. People need this kind of a break. It clearly reactivates the brain cells and they can accomplish more..

Challenge yourself to take a week without contact from the office. You actually might relax, clear your head and return to work with renewed vigor. Enjoy yourself!

Copyright © 2007 by Gail Solish.  All rights reserved.

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About the Author

Gail Solish, MSW, RSW provides Executive/Personal coaching to managers, directors and executives focused on workplace development and relationship management. Claim your FR-EE e-course “Unleash Your Potential and Increase Productivity and Fulfillment” at http://www.ActualizeYourGoals.com or contact Gail at 416-322-0029.