Samantha McDonald

Taking a break from work should mean just that. No mobile phone, no laptop and no cheating by phoning the office when you should be relaxing.

A holiday? Get away with you!

One of my clients decided to go on a holiday last week. He packed his bags and, with his wife and kids, set out in the car for what should have been a relaxing getaway.

One problem: he couldn’t stop thinking about work and all the things he had to do when he got back. It didn’t help that his mobile phone rang constantly and that he checked his emails on his laptop at least three times a day. Hmmm … And he wondered why he didn’t feel refreshed when he got back to work!

It’s all very well to think that life couldn’t possibly go on in your absence, or that your workplace would fall apart, but how on earth are you going to recharge your batteries and get back on top of things without giving yourself a proper, thorough break? If this sounds all too familiar, try these little tips:

Start planning for your holiday at least two months in advance. And I don’t mean planning the itinerary! Make sure you have absolutely everything organised and important tasks delegated so that you can rest assured that all your jobs are being done while you’re away.

Leave your mobile phone and laptop (and BlackBerry) at home or at the office. Why lead yourself into temptation? Out of sight, out of mind, right? Hand the responsibility for these items to someone else if it’s absolutely necessary that your clients need communication in your absence.

Mentally put yourself on holiday with your family. You don’t get away very often, so make the absolute most of it. Your family deserves to spend real time with you, and of course you deserve to spend quality time with your family. It’s so important to share special memories like the ones created on holidays, so here’s your opportunity. Go for it!

Let your office know your hotel phone number, but only for emergencies. And I mean real emergencies! (I only put this one in for the real die-hards).

Plan lots of fun things to do. This is to keep your mind off your job. Remember, your number one job on holidays with your family is to have fun!

Above all, enjoy your time away. Relax and rejuvenate, and you’ll probably find that work will be that little bit easier on your return.

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