How To Successfully Unplug And Take Unapologetic Mental Rest On Vacation

Burnout is a common phenomenon, especially for professional women. It can make taking a vacation challenging, as office notifications and nagging thoughts about projects can ruin a serene beach or cabin getaway. 

Taking a peaceful getaway matters because your brain needs real distance from work to recover, not just a prettier background for the same stress. When you stop monitoring every ping, you give yourself a better chance to come back rested, clearer and less resentful of your inbox. Implement these ideas to ensure you commit to a true unplugging experience.

Choosing to take a break is a sign of power because it acknowledges that your burnout is here. Burnout affects 46% of women, more than it does for men. There is an unspoken expectation to work harder to close the gender gaps in the workplace, but you must use those vacation days guilt-free. 

Start by talking to your team. You must encourage them not to email, instant message or call you on your vacation. Empower your co-workers to find alternative resolutions. It may strengthen their morale and help them develop their own capabilities.

However, many in leadership positions are the default targets of questioning, especially in high-priority scenarios. Designate one person as the emergency contact in case they need to reach out. This will prevent unnecessary pestering from the entire team and minimize notifications that could interrupt your peaceful state of mind.

When you set your out-of-office message, it should be polite but direct. Think of it like a contract that everyone reading it must abide by. Use precise language to give anyone emailing you another avenue. Unfortunately, 76% of Americans still check their voicemail or email on vacation, and it might be due to stress or worry. But this sets a healthy boundary.

For example, instead of something simple like “I’m out of the office,” present something more assertive. Say you have no access and will not be checking email. Then provide a few additional points of contact so people can still have their questions answered. This also reduces your workload when you return to the office.

Hustle culture has made it easy for women to become engrossed in their work lives, leading to copious stress and anxiety to the point of physical symptoms. Leading up to your vacation, you must phase out the habit of checking work notifications. You may feel you check Slack a million times a day because your phone is always vibrating, especially if you work remotely, so it may be difficult to kick. 

If you want to be one of the almost one-third of remote workers basking in a vacation on the down-low, a dopamine detox has to be on your packing to-do list. These changes can affect your behavior, helping you avoid the urge to check your phone while sipping your delicious cocktail. This process can involve, but is not limited to:

• Deleting apps from your phone, like email and messengers.
• Reducing incoming notifications.
• Reducing screen time. 
• Adopting a slow, active hobby, like crafting or reading.
• Going on nature walks.
• Exercising.
• Practicing mindfulness.

Reasons such as impending dread about their responsibilities, travel exhaustion, or loss of motivation lead to 41% of Americans still feeling drained after a vacation.

This is why you have to make a deliberate return so you remember your vacation fondly and get the most restorative benefits from the time off. Make your early workload light, don’t schedule meetings, and practice single-tasking to avoid overwhelm. Do this for at least the first week until you feel your rhythm is back.

Your backpacking trip around Europe or a rejuvenating week in the sand will feel much more enjoyable and nourishing if you plan ahead. Use these strategies to cut how often you think about work while you’re on vacation. Over the years, you’ll be so practiced that every trip will feel like a genuine separation from work life, giving you the rest you earned.