The office routine can be quite tiring in the medium and long term. So it is essential to find ways to disconnect from work on weekends and especially during vacations. However, hyperconnectivity can make it difficult to disconnect from work obligations.
Over time, not relaxing and resting can take a heavy toll. An increasing number of people are experiencing burnout . One practical way to reduce the risk of developing severe burnout is to disconnect from your obligations on a regular basis.
Disconnecting from work is a very pleasant topic. Here are 10 tips to help you disconnect from work and spend some quality time with friends and family, or even on your own. Don’t forget that relaxing is important for good physical and mental health !
See how to disconnect from work during your breaks
In a corporate context, it could be positive to be a workaholic; however, it is never that case for companies. A constant focus on work and no reservation of time for one’s self leads to different harm towards their physical and mental well-being.
Constant worry causes professionals to develop high levels of stress. Being under constant pressure makes it difficult for these individuals to get along with their colleagues and also causes them to lose some of their productivity .
Staying focused on work is extremely tiring and can prevent you from producing quality work. So, it is crucial to have moments to truly disconnect from work.
Check out 10 tips below on how to disconnect from the office during your free time, such as weekends and vacations.
1. Have a plan
Having a daily plan with the most important activities will help you allocate all tasks in the time you have available. The idea is to not leave anything pending and understand that you cannot do more than your work time allows.
When you are preparing to take a vacation, make a list of all the most important activities. Leave everything that is your responsibility done and instruct your colleagues on what to do in your absence. Let them know that you will not be working during this period, that is, you will be disconnected.
2. Have a backup
Scheduling automatic backups will make you more confident that you won’t lose any important data or projects. Many professionals have difficulty disconnecting from work precisely because they are insecure about losing essential data.
Creating mechanisms that help you feel calm and safe is essential to make the most of your weekends and vacations. With the certainty that everything will be as it should, you will be able to distract yourself more easily.
3. Train someone you trust
It is important to train someone you trust to solve problems while you are away. This is a good idea, even considering short absences due to external meetings. When you leave the company, work cannot stop.
Explain to this person everything they need to do and what the correct way to proceed is in different situations. When you go on vacation, you will know that you have someone who will make sure everything stays as it should.
4. The place to work is at work
This statement seems obvious, doesn’t it? However, with the connectivity we have today, many people end up not making this distinction. So be aware that work activities should only be carried out at work.
Don’t take projects home to finish (unless it’s an emergency) and don’t respond to messages from colleagues and clients outside of business hours. Keeping this separate will make it easier to relax during downtime like vacations and weekends.
5. “Forget” work equipment on your vacation
Going on vacation? Then leave your work computer and other devices at home or at the office. Establish that you are not working during this time and therefore do not need these items.
Just having a work laptop or tablet in your bag is enough to make you want to check your emails and work updates. During your vacation, you should just take a vacation.
6. Look for different activities
After all, during weekends and particularly when you have a vacation, you need to attend to all those things that are not related to the ultimate objective. You can be interested in something, for instance, such as drawing, hiking, trying out new restaurants and so many more.
The important thing is that it is an activity which has nothing to do with your work so you can switch off your mind. Distracting your thoughts and focusing on something else will help make you more productive at work.
7. Avoid entertainment content about your profession
Nowadays, there are series, films, programs and other entertainment content focused on the most varied professions. The ideal way to truly disconnect from work is to avoid this type of content. Even though it is fun to watch a series where the characters have their profession, you may end up focusing your free time on work.
8. Change your routine
You have to totally change your routine, however, for days when you are not working-except weekends and holidays. This would help your brain understand that you are not at a day when you are supposed to get to the office. Wake up at a different time, go to different places, and do things you normally wouldn’t do on days when you work.
9. Invest in your social life
Having friends outside the office is very important to separate your personal life from your work life. So accept more invitations to have coffee with your school friends or to go to the movies with people you met in your English course. With people outside of work, you will have conversations about other topics.
10. Put your phone in airplane mode
Does your mind feel flooded? To try and stop worrying about work to arise again, put your phone on airplane mode. Then you won’t get messages for a period of time. That’s most important on weekends and holidays.