Disconnect over the festive period – preparation is key!

End of year fatigue started early this year as 2023 has been another challenging year which sees so many people holding on for their upcoming holidays over the festive period. Switching off is important for your wellbeing – but ensure you have prepared ahead of time. Here are a few ideas on how to successfully enjoy your break:

• Setting boundaries and plan ahead – clearly communicate with colleagues, managers, clients and in some instance family members that you are taking a break and clearly define the dates you won’t be available so that everyone is in the know. Focus on wrapping up your major work commitments before you leave for holiday – this will help reduce the temptation to check emails or being pulled back into the fold.
• Out of office message – Make sure you activate this before you finish up on your last day and ensure you have listed an alternative contact for any emergencies that may arise. Also list when you will be returning to the office.
• Digital detox – having access to emails on our phones or an office set up at home, it is vital that you put an action plan in place to reduce or limit the use of electronic devices – turn off work-related notifications on your phone and other devices and avoid (which I know can be a challenge) the temptation to ‘just check’ for updates.
• Delegate responsibilities – if you have colleagues / team members that are working through the holiday period – ensure you do a thorough handover, with all the information /notes they need to help reduce the chance of a random SOS phone call.
  
  

Now that the work preparation is done, it is time to focus on you…

• Prioritise self-care – use the time to do what brings you joy and happiness – whether that is spending time with family and friends, reading a good book, spending time at the beach – focus on relaxing and recharging.
• Create traditions – explore how you can create a new holiday tradition as this will help you focus on something different. This could be baking cookies, a Christmas movie marathon to having an old school fondue with friends.
• Set realistic expectations – for yourself and others! Don’t overload yourself with things you ‘have’ to get done as this will just mean you don’t have any down time!
• Practice mindfulness – be present in the moment and enjoy the holidays – try and let go of work worries (easier said than done sometimes) until you return.
• Reflect and plan – review 2023 – identify your take-aways and start setting yourself goals for the new year – this gives you perspective and a fresh approach to what lies ahead.
  
  

Remember – taking a break is essential for both your mental and emotional well-being and it allows you to return to work with renewed energy and focus. Also, take a moment to remember those that don’t have family / friends close to them over this period and see you in 2024!