So there, suitcases are packed, passports are out, you’re ready to jet off on your vacation, finally! No month-end reports or emails in sight for the next few days. Only sandy beaches, margaritas, and relaxation galore! But did you also know that this long-awaited and overdue vacation is not just going to save you from your boss and over-booked calendar?
Actually, this time off laying on the beach sipping on a mango margarita while enjoying the latest summer read could very well be pushing your career to the next level…Are you smiling yet?
We already know taking a vacation, unplugging, disconnecting is good for your career. It helps you reconnect with who you are, what you value, and what’s important, so we can come back more relaxed and emotionally grounded. That ‘s the average, general case scenario.
What we don’t often realize is that we can actually leverage this time to propel our careers forward. Because it’s not just enough to jet off to some exotic spot in the Caribbeans, or run out of the office as if a ghost were after you…However, it takes some practice and a bit of discipline to turn this time of relaxation into an actual career asset (even if that’s not exactly what you’re thinking about as you’re lounging on the hot sand).
I still remember this particularly eventful vacation where I actually spent most of my time checking email and stressing about how much work I had to do when I’d come back. End result? I left stressed, went swimming stressed, and came back to work stressed…with an extra five pounds to boot.
Here are 4 tips you can use to further your career as you’re enjoying beautiful sunsets and skipping email while on vacation:
Set a vacation agenda.
No, this is not about visiting a gazillion museums and trying every local bakery (although there’ something about carbs and vacation, but I digress). This is about being clear about what your time off is about. Is this vacation an opportunity to spend some time with family? Is it a personal time of introspection, or do you need to get away to re-evaluate your priorities?
Being clear about it will help you be more conscious of those areas you need to heal, or ponder about while away. Instead of scattering your time in endless activities, you’ll be more mentally attuned to yourself. You’ll be surprised at how much clearer you are once the vacation ends.
Boost Your Creativity (and Give Your Brain a Break).
As in, stop worrying about that project you handed in before vacation, or that email you may not have sent out. Our brains are flooded every day with huge amounts of information we barely seem to control. And in turn, it blocks the natural creativity that helps us come up with new ideas and innovative concepts.
On vacation, your mental activity is stimulated by new experiences and new sights. Not mention the benefits of mental and emotional relaxation, which also set you up for success. Instead of the usual apathy and mental tiredness you may be used to dealing with, you’ll be buzzing with new ideas and motivation when you get back to the office.
Limit your access to work.
Yes, the point of being on vacation is to unplug from work and really enjoy the time away from the office. Yet, the reality for many is that we’re still connected…even a little bit, when on vacation. Rather than giving in to the guilt of not being connected at all, or on the other end of the spectrum, being surgically attached to your handheld device, why not reach a middle ground?
If you absolutely have to check on work, promise yourself to do it in a limited manner. Whether it’s once a day for no more than a half hour, or once a week, set a limit and stick to it. Only address urgent emails, while keeping in mind this will also lessen the pile of work you find when you get back.
Set goals for your return to work.
Yes, you want to take advantage of every ounce of your vacation. Yet, taking the last couple of days to mentally prepare yourself to return to the office can put you at the top of your game. Think about your goals and objectives for the remainder of the year, and how you can best achieve them.
Even better, take some time to visualize your success at work. If you can, write down some of your most important goals in a notebook or journal.
How do your further your career on vacation?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis.
