By going on vacation or taking small breaks, you can enjoy some time away from work. Here are some ways you can effectively disconnect from work and come back refreshed
For most working professionals, the line between work and home life is blurred in a hyper-connected world. We constantly check our smartphones, regardless of the place or time, and the fear of missing out keeps us tethered. Even during vacations, we tend to constantly check our work emails and group chats. The possibility of missing a meeting is now a thing of the past as Microsoft Teams and Zoom calls often keep us busy.
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Going on vacation or taking small breaks can help you completely disconnect from work. But how many of us actually stay away from answering emails or checking Slack channels in the office during a break? Is it even possible to take a vacation from work in an age where the popular belief is to stay connected 24×7? It is. Here's how to disconnect from work while on vacation so you can return refreshed and more connected to work.
Blueprint for a reset
Just like at work, planning is also essential when going on holiday. Decide what you want to see, do and experience. If history interests you, you might want to look up historical sites, if it's food, head to the local hotspots for delicacies, and if it's adventure, find out what activities you can partake in.
Investing time in planning can help you explore new avenues, build anticipation, and keep you focused on your vacation goals. In other words, during a break, one should embrace active relaxation – whether that means lounging/reading by the pool all day, or walking, hiking or simply spending quality time with loved ones. In short, any activity that actively distracts you from your work. Plus, immersing yourself in new experiences means you don't have to constantly check your phone, so you can relax.
Say it out loud
Open communication about taking time off is just as important as communication about other work matters. Clearly inform your colleagues/colleagues of your vacation dates and emphasize that you will only be available for an urgent emergency. Set up an out-of-office email response and resist the urge to check or reply to messages.
Often, those in important leadership positions feel like the world will fall apart if they don't check their emails for an hour — a thought process that can keep you from embarking on a full-fledged digital detox. In that case, consider limiting your screen time. Designate specific times during the day to check for important messages that need to be addressed, but be careful not to get sucked into the vortex of emails and work chats.
Keep in mind that a vacation is to recharge, not to be on call all the time. That can wait until you get back to the office.
Setting an example
As leaders, it is essential to lead by example and encourage a healthy approach to vacation time. One aspect of effective digital leadership is empowering your team to take on responsibilities in your absence. This involves clear delegation, providing the necessary tools and resources, and promoting a culture of trust and responsibility. By doing this, you not only ensure that the job runs smoothly, but you also demonstrate your confidence in their abilities. As a leader, when you trust your teams to lead in your absence, it sets a positive example for the entire organization.
Technology to the rescue
Use what keeps you hyper-connected to also disconnect. Embracing technology can even enhance the vacation experience without sacrificing rest and recovery. By using communication tools for urgent matters, setting up automated responses, and scheduling tasks in advance, you can minimize disruptions during your downtime. Tools like project management platforms and shared calendars can ensure everyone is in the loop and projects stay on track.
Ultimately, practicing digital leadership means finding the balance between staying connected when you need to and giving yourself and your team space to recharge and disconnect during the holidays. It's about using technology to promote productivity and wellbeing, rather than letting it become a barrier to enjoying time away from work.
Keep it guilt-free
Don't feel guilty about taking time off! You must recognize that relaxation is not a luxury, but an investment in your health and well-being that will help maintain your ability to work in the long term.
A vacation allows you to distance yourself from the worries of everyday life and put your life into perspective. This in turn builds psychological resilience and helps you return to work refreshed, energized and more productive. Constant connectivity makes it impossible to truly disconnect from work. By planning, setting boundaries, and embracing active relaxation, you can find the elusive “me” time.
Remember, a vacation isn't about escaping work; it's about rediscovering yourself and returning with a renewed sense of purpose, energy and motivation. So pack your bags, set the right expectations at work, delegate workflows efficiently, silence your notifications, and begin your disconnecting and reconnecting journey.
Mayank Kumar is the co-founder and director of upGrad.
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