The Hidden Challenge: How You Might Be Creating Your Own Obstacles to Enjoying Time Off
Taking a break and truly enjoying time off can seem like an unrealistic luxury rather than a periodic necessity. However, many of us unknowingly contribute to the very barriers that make relaxation and enjoyment during our free time difficult.
Here’s how you might be enabling your own obstacles and what you can do to overcome them.
Setting Unrealistic Expectations
One of the biggest self-imposed barriers to enjoying time off is setting unrealistic expectations about what can be achieved during a break.
Whether it's planning to visit three cities in five days or expecting to complete a long list of home renovations over a single weekend, overloading your schedule can lead to frustration and a sense of failure. Instead, try setting realistic goals and remember that time off is also for rest and rejuvenation.
Time Off Challenge: Create a SMART goal framework in preparation for your time off. Most importantly, how will you know you’ve been successful in enjoying your time away from the office?
Inability to Disconnect
In our digitally connected era, switching off from work and social media can be a challenge. Constant notifications and the urge to check emails can prevent you from fully disengaging and enjoying the present moment.
To counteract this, designate tech-free hours or days during your vacation. Inform your colleagues and set an out-of-office reply to manage expectations and reduce the urge to constantly check in.
Time Off Challenge: Notification RE-settings! Update notification settings before heading OOO on work email, Slack, Teams, and even social media.
Guilt Over Taking Breaks
Many people feel guilty for taking time off, fearing that they are not working hard enough or that their absence may burden others. This guilt can make it hard to enjoy downtime and can even lead to burnout. It’s important to recognize that taking breaks can increase productivity and creativity, benefiting both you and your workplace in the long run.
Time Off Challenge: Jot down a reminder to yourself - on a post it note or your journal or wherever you can see it most easily - to help minimize guilt while you’re away. Here are a few sample reminders you can use:
“You deserve this!”
“This is worth it.”
“You’ll be better off if you can truly enjoy this time away.”
“I owe it to myself to be present during this time.”
Fear of Missing Out
The fear of missing out on professional opportunities or social gatherings can also hinder your ability to enjoy time off. This fear can keep you glued to your devices and mentally engaged in work or social dynamics instead of relaxing.
To combat FOMO, remind yourself of the benefits of downtime and focus on enjoying the experiences you choose during your time off.
Time Off Challenge: Ask yourself (and be honest with your answer!), “Why do I care?”
So, how can you work on overcoming the barriers you might be creating to enjoying your time off?
Embrace Imperfection: Accept that not everything will go as planned during your time off. Embracing imperfection helps reduce stress and allows you to enjoy spontaneous moments more fully.
Practice Saying No: Learn to decline requests and invitations that do not align with your restful goals for your time off. This can help manage your workload and social commitments, making your break more relaxing.
Seek Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of your activities rather than trying to fill every moment. Choose fewer, more meaningful engagements that truly rejuvenate you.
Explore What Makes You Feel Needed: Reflect on whether your need to feel constantly connected stems from a desire to feel needed or important. Ask yourself, "Do I like to feel needed?" Understanding this can help you let go of unnecessary responsibilities during your time off.
Identify True Motivations: Consider what drives your actions and decisions regarding time off. Ask yourself, "What is the true motivation behind my activity choices?" This reflection can reveal underlying values or pressures that shape your behavior and help you make more conscious choices.