How you can leave your work behind when you go on holiday

Holidays.  Will things at work fall down without you? What happens if there’s a crucial stuff up? You’re physically with your loved ones, but in reality, work distractions are constantly buzzing through your head and devices are pinging.

Leaving your business in someone else’s hands may be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be. Without taking your work baggage along for the journey, follow our tips to discover the true benefits of rest:

 1. There’s never a perfect time to take a break:

Simply realising and acknowledging this, is a major piece of the puzzle. There is NEVER a perfect time. Give yourself permission to go and allocate time in your calendar.

2. Acknowledge all the drama and excuses that come up:

You’ve set the date, and now the “what ifs” will come. Go there. What’s the worst that can happen?  What’s the likely percentage of them occurring? Be realistic.

3. Consider your plan to lessen the likelihood of worst-case scenarios:

Manage other people’s expectations by giving your key customers/suppliers ample warning you’ll be away and provide an alternate contact.

4. Delegate to others:

Yippee – the best part. This is your opportunity to see who steps up, who shines, and who is creative in problem-solving. This is the part where you’ll get to truly see where your future leaders are. It’s where enormous growth is found through failing and going again. Allow your employees the opportunity to show you what they can do and how resilient there are. Please. Let them have a go.

5. Determine if you want to be Contactable:

You’ve finally got your mindset to a place of giving yourself permission to go on a break, now, can you go without finding out what’s happening? Be super honest here. This is all about you. Do you really trust those you delegated to? Do you need your ego massaged? Will work be a welcome distraction from “the loved ones”?

Make the decision on whether you’re to be contacted or not based on your truth. There’s no right or wrong, but the decision needs to be made before you depart and honour your decision.

6. Enjoy, relax and unwind

You’re all set up. Plans in place. Decisions made. One last one – consciously decide what this holiday is going to mean for you. Is it going to be a time to reset your mind and your body? Or, try some new adventures and explore new places. Perhaps, quality time with family and friends is your goal. Whatever it is, having a purpose or direction for the holiday will ensure you get the maximum out of it.

Having a break is more than bookings and accommodation. Aligning your mindset with your expectations sets you up in advance for an amazing break that’s as good for the business as it is for you!