Ah, the sweet smell of freedom! Last week, my husband and I were able to enjoy a week on a tropical Island – lounging on the beach, sipping fruity drinks, swimming with the turtles and soaking up the sun. Whether going on a vacation far away or taking time off work to invest in yourself right at home – it’s a vital ingredient for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and boosting your overall well-being. So, grab your imaginary beach towel soak up the value of using those valuable PTO benefits!
When you unplug from work, you give your mind and body a chance to recharge. It’s like hitting the reset button on your stress levels. A mental reboot to allow your mind to rest, remember the things that are important to you and create space for clarity. Indulge in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s catching up on your favorite TV shows, taking up a new hobby, or simply enjoying the pleasure of doing nothing. Your mind will thank you, and your productivity will skyrocket when you return to work feeling rejuvenated.
While you’re busy recharging, there are hidden benefits sneaking up on you that you didn’t realize were happening. When you step away from work, you gain a fresh perspective and often stumble upon creative ideas or innovative solutions to lingering problems. Your brain gets a chance to make new connections and spark those “aha!” moments when you least expect them. Even the tension in your body starts to relax and your shoulder strain begins to disappear. Don’t be surprised if a stroke of genius strikes while you’re halfway through your Netflix binge!
The best part? You do not need to take a lavish vacation to reap in the benefits of time off! Say hello to the homecation! Vacation vibes without breaking the bank. Transform your humble abode into a mini oasis of relaxation. Set up a cozy reading nook, have a movie marathon, try your hand at gourmet cooking, practice your putting game in the back yard, or just watch the sunset from your favorite patio chair. Get creative with your surroundings and make everyday activities feel extraordinary.
Taking time off work allows you to reconnect with the most important people in your life: you, your family and friends! Spend some quality time with yourself, practicing self-care and nurturing your soul. Make the most of your time off by bonding with friends and family. Plan a picnic in the park, have a game night, or embark on spontaneous adventures together. Call up those friends that you always say “we should get together” and actually do it! The memories created during these moments will be cherished for years to come. When I talked to people who have retired, they never say they wish they would have worked more – they say they wish they would have spent more time with the people they loved doing more of the things they are passionate about.
In a world that glorifies busyness, unplugging from work may seem like a foreign concept. But guess what? It’s essential! Without breaks and vacations you may feel burnt out, stressed out, mentally depleted, and even unmotivated. None of us want to feel that way so give yourself permission to let go of any guilt associated with recharging yourself. Believe it or not, work will be there when you return! PTO is a key element of your overall benefit package – don’t let it go to waste. When you return you will do so with a pep in your step, new ideas and new energy.
You may be worried that taking time off will result in an overwhelming workload when you return or maybe you fear you will be seen as less committed to your job if you plan a vacation. Maybe the culture you are in has blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, pushing habits of constantly being connected to work. Whatever the concern, put yourself first. Make the mindset shift to soak in all the benefits of focusing on the “life” side of work-life balance. Be an influencer to change the norm and positively impact the productivity in your company.
Year over year, studies prove a positive correlation between utilizing PTO and job performance. Employees who take regular time off are more likely to have higher job satisfaction, better work-life balance and increased engagement. It reduces absenteeism and helps to prevent prolonged absences due to burn out or health issues. Research indicates the crucial role that PTO plays in supporting employee’s mental health and overall well-being.
As a bonus tidbit of information, when you return to work – create habits that allow you to refresh daily. Time block 30 minutes to make a plan for the day before you jump into action items. Write down 2 or 3 #Wins at the end of each day (and read them to pump yourself up). Lead the way in team building and networking by scheduling regular meetings to build relationships and promote partnerships. Take a coffee break (or tea in my case), leave your desk, take a walk outside, or buzz your mom for a minute. A little time for you during the day goes a long way!
So, my dear fellow workaholics, it’s time to unplug, recharge, and reconnect with the joy of living. Whether it’s a tropical escape or a staycation extravaganza, remember that taking time off work is a necessity, not a luxury. Embrace the hidden benefits, enjoy the little moments of doing nothing, and return to work with a refreshed mind, a rejuvenated spirit, and a glorious sun-kissed glow (real or imaginary). Now, go forth and conquer that beach chair or comfy couch — the choice is yours!
Note: While this blog promotes the benefits of taking time off, it’s important to follow your organization’s policies and guidelines regarding vacation and time off. Individual benefits and experiences may vary depending on various factors.