The Transformational Power of Vacation

When you live and work in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) world, it might seem necessary to put professional obligations ahead of personal ones. A vacation where you step away from it all and unplug can feel like a want more than a need. But immersing in periods of rest and relaxation is more than a need. It can be downright transformational. 

Since we’ve been talking all month about transformational leadership – and since it is sum-sum-summertime – I thought we should cover this essential item. Vacations are beneficial for your mental and physical health. And enhance your ability to thrive at work. (And it’s not just you who needs that vacation. As a conscientious leader, make sure your team is taking them too.) 

Now that we’ve (hopefully) marked some dates on the calendar and perhaps booked our travel, how can we make the most of that precious time away – that we deserve? 

Give Me a Break 

Taking a holiday is more than blowing off steam or having fun. It comes with benefits that can positively impact your overall well-being. 

Mental Health: Working non-stop can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Vacations provide a much-needed escape from the daily wear and tear of work stress on your nervous system, giving your mind a break to rest and reset. Time off may reduce stress, improve mood, and increase general life satisfaction. 

Physical Health: It’s no secret that chronic stress contributes to a wide array of ailments, including heart disease, hypertension, and a weakened immune system. Vacations often allow for more physical activity and healthier eating, leading to better physical well-being. Relaxation can lower cortisol levels, further reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses. 

Productivity and Creativity: Give your beautiful brain a chance to recover from the repetition of work and rejuvenate. This break from the day-to-day can lead to enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities. That’s why we often return from trips and staycations with a fresh perspective and renewed enthusiasm, which leads to increased productivity. 

The bottom line? Taking time is good for you and your team. And that’s good for business.

Ready to Reset 

Across the country, hustle culture is taking its toll on workers, so much so that taking a break might feel unfamiliar and unproductive. Au contraire! That reset is an integral part of maintaining long-term productivity.

And here’s why: 

Prevent Burnout: These days, burnout is a frighteningly common condition characterized by chronic fatigue, disengagement, and decreased performance. Far from a frivolous waste of time and resources, vacations act as a buffer against burnout by providing the mental and physical rest we need to remain resilient.

Improve Focus and Concentration: A tired mind is a distracted mind. Therefore, when you take a break, your cognitive functions are recharged, which results in improved focus and concentration. 

Enhance Relationships: Quality time with family and friends, whether you’re bumming around on the beach, or active adventuring, strengthens your relationships. Moreover, having emotional support outside the office is critical to your overall well-being and ability to show up as your best self at work. 

Stepping Out 

So, you’re ready to take a week off. Good – no, GREAT – for you!  Here’s how to maximize the return on this investment in your well-being. 

Plan: You’ll feel better about your time away when you leave things in good working order. Tie up loose ends before you go, and be sure your teammates are up to speed on what needs to happen while you’re away. Then turn on an out-of-office reply and shut it all down. 

Set Boundaries: If you’re a leader, set an expectation and a precedent that time off is in deed time off. Emails will remain unread, and calls will go unanswered. Delegate someone you trust as a decision-maker in your absence. I promise the world will keep spinning! 

Chillax: What brings you joy? What eases you into a relaxed state? Do lots of those things on your time off. Plan activities that you’ll look forward to with excitement and will look back on with happiness. Or, don’t make any plans at all if what you need is a schedule-free break. 

Reflect: If you must think about work, think about it holistically. Rather than dwell on a to-do list, instead consider where you are in your career and what new goals you might like to set for yourself. It’s easier to see the big picture of your professional life when you step away from it. That may bring clarity about your future, motivation, and, ideally, a renewed sense of purpose.

Taking vacations is not just about escaping work; it’s about investing in your well-being. It’s not a luxury; it’s a necessity. So, go ahead and plan that getaway if you haven’t yet. I bet you’ll return refreshed and ready to take on the world!