Disconnecting from work for true holiday time

THE summer holidays are here and whilst many still have to work, most are able to enjoy some form of down time.

Holidays serve to act as a necessary way to rest and recharge the batteries, but it is not possible for all workers.

A survey by Randstad revealed that 28 per cent of Spanish employees said they were unable to disconnect from work during the holidays. Everyone knows the theory, but when it comes to putting it in practice, over a quarter can’t switch off, so what can you do to help?

Sleep when you need it. After months of hard work, take the holidays as a chance for your body to physically recharge itself. Forget setting alarms and sleep as much as you need to.

Make plans. Enjoy time with family and friends that you sometimes don’t always get the chance to see.

Turn the phone off. Don’t allow yourself to get distracted with phones and tablets as you will then be tempted to check emails or return work calls.  

Forget the time. Don’t clock watch or stick to schedules. Holidays are the chance to have more freedom and see where the mood takes you, not to continually be looking at the clock and planning.

No one is indispensable. Many in the survey said they worried about what happened at work when they were away but remember no one is indispensable. Think of all the times you have covered colleagues when they were away, they will do the same for you.