When Not to Take Work on Vacation

When this current nightmare is over and we can get on with our lives, this is what I’m waiting for. But it’s time to think about balance over the next few years. Balancing missed work and the desire for a vacation from a high stress situation for many. We need to stay focused on when not to take work on vacation.

‘Leavism’ – or working while away on vacation or on leave from work – is on the rise. This has been signposted as one of the major reasons that workplace stress is becoming more commonplace. It can be a challenge to leave work behind in our ‘always on’ and ‘instant gratification’ world. But knowing when to leave work behind could be seen as one of the most important factors in achieving a healthy life-work balance. To help you achieve the balance that is necessary for good mental and physical health, here’s a lot of when, a little why and a bit of how not to take work on vacation:

When You Need a Break from Technology

If you sometimes feel as though your phone or other devices are stapled to your hand, and your eye’s ache from constantly staring at screens, then it could be time to take a break. Getting back to basics on an eco-adventure or a camping trip is a great way to do just that. A rustic retreat can allow you to get away from the modern world. Thus giving you the break from technology that you really need. Stress, migraines and poor eating habits can be temporarily remedied by pulling far away from the facilitators.

When You Need to Reconnect with Loved Ones

Surrounded by work-stress and other irrelevant but necessary fodder – all the minute to major worries of life – it is easy to get bogged down. Clinging on to so many things – money worries, deadlines, chores – it is no wonder that sometimes our personal relationships suffer so. It is easy for the things that truly matter to get lost in the hustle and bustle. A, sweet baby Jesus forgive me for using this word, staycation can make it easier to reconnect with those you love. Remind yourself often that it’s not where you are, it’s who you’re with. Break away from semi anti-social media and get social with those you care about while they are still present in your life. Being thankful for their presence in your life. As well as the value they add makes it all the easier to unplug from it all, work and simple entertainment.

When You Need to Reconnect with the Natural World

As human beings, all too often we lose sight of the fact that we are part of a wider natural system. The disconnect we feel between our own existence and the natural world can be a root cause of a deep sense of dissatisfaction. To feel grounded and at peace, we need to feel the sand between our toes, the soil beneath our feet. We need to hear the birds sing and literally smell the flowers. Ecotourism adventures allow us to get back into nature, and reacquaint ourselves with our beautiful planet while we still can. A clean green vacation over simply overpriced and posh leaves less of a footprint on the planet and more cash in your purse. Besides, the less plugs and outlets that are around you the more likely you are to relax and enjoy your life sans ‘the grind.’

When You Need to Feel a Sense of True Usefulness

Many of us have jobs that do not necessarily give an immediate sense of satisfaction if any at all. We have lost that sense of immediacy that comes from, for example, sowing a seed and watching it grow. Agrotourism or farm stay vacations are a wonderful way to regain a sense of your own agency and utility. Leave work behind and take on, perhaps, some simpler, more immediately rewarding and meaningful work instead. Feel useful by helping to conserve and protect people and planet. Let your labour be for a love that will forever be requited.

When You Just Need to Recharge Your Batteries

Finally, when it comes right down to it, for your own health, it is vital to recognize when you need a recharge. If you want to know when not to take work on vacation – look within. You will surely find your answer. A simple, clean and eco-friendly vacation could be just what you need. A blissful work-free vacation won’t break the bank and can be restorative, filled with much needed recovery and mindful meditation. Thus, helping you to return refreshed and renewed more productive and motivated. With limitless creativity and able to easily set sights on your next great adventure.

   Mz. Andrea

Vacation photography and more.