Are you planning to go on holiday this summer (or even later in the year)?
Does the thought of a holiday leave you feeling slightly anxious that you may not be able to completely switch off from work & tech?
Wondering how you can disconnect from work during your holiday?
Holidays should be a time to relax but let’s face it, it can take a bit of time to get into holiday mode, especially if you have work to do. This can often cause increase personal stress levels and impact family time.
Here are my top tips to help you manage holiday / work separation anxiety:
- Start Early: Begin the process of disconnection before your holiday. Tie up loose ends, delegate tasks, and mentally prepare for the shift.
- Set Boundaries: Agree with colleagues on a contact person during your absence. Clearly communicate your unavailability to managers, colleagues, and clients. Set an “out of office” message to manage expectations.
- Stress-Free Return: Ensure a smooth transition back to work by having a comprehensive handover a week before your holiday.
- Turn Off Notifications: Redirect your work status to ‘Away’ and prioritize relaxation over work-related matters.
- Hire a VA: You might find it helpful to have someone in the background to whom you can delegate ad hoc tasks or have monitoring your inbox.
“Isabelle provides my consultancy business with remote business support. Isabelle primarily helps me to manage my inbox and outlook calendar, assisting with organising appointments, diary planning and email management. In addition, Isabelle supports me with ad hoc projects and events. I would highly recommend Isabelle if you are looking for someone to assist you with business or lifestyle matters. ” Tony Carr, Director, 4Front Partners