You’ve probably seen those social media posts going around comparing the American approach to vacation vs. the European approach to vacation. You know what I mean--the difference between “I know I’ll be out recovering from surgery but I will absolutely respond to your message on the operating table” and “I am out of the office. Best of luck.” 

So as summer gets into full swing and we can take time away from work again, it’s easy to fall back into the trap of no time off even while on that trip you saved up for. 

Many people living near our practice in the Washington, DC area have just spent 15 months working remotely without taking any breaks. That has become the new normal, because there’s the facade that if we’re working from home it “should be easier and more restful." In reality, we’re working more than ever. With vaccines now available, many people are physically taking time away for the first time in more than a year and a half. 

Vacation guilt has been a theme lately, for people I'm working with as well as friends and family. These do’s and don’ts might speak to you if you work a typical 9-5 desk job and are able to take time off this summer. 

We also acknowledge that not everyone has time off or has the resources to go on vacation. If that is your reality, you might apply some of these suggestions to how you can protect your time, even if you only get one day off here and there. In the case of no vacation in sight, it’s even more important to create good boundaries around any down time you have. 

Do 

Mute email notifications on your phone. You’re taking time off to rest, relax, and recalibrate, not to answer an “urgent” email at 2 in the morning. Don’t forget to set an Out of Office autoreply!

Don’t

Take your work laptop on vacation. If you can’t physically access systems needed to get work done, there’s less chance you’ll find yourself glued to the screen all day. 

Do 

Communicate clearly with your supervisor and coworkers about the dates you will be off, and what might need to be worked on in your absence. Standing up for yourself isn’t mean - it’s the most honest way to interact with others. 

Don’t 

Offer to make yourself available should anything come up requiring your attention. PTO. Prepare The Others.

Do 

Remember that a vacation isn’t just for fun--it’s to give your brain the opportunity for rest and novelty, two things that are critical for continuing to be good at your job. 

Don’t

Take a “working vacation” if others on your trip will not be working. This will only make you distracted and resentful. 

Do 

Set boundaries even if you’re taking a “staycation.” Stay away from your WFH desk, turn off your email alerts, and plan projects or activities that are restorative or completely different from your day job. 

Don’t 

Overcompensate by going into “overdrive” right before your vacation or right after you get back. It might be tempting to conquer a hefty email inbox right away, but you can ease your way back into work by prioritizing the things that must get done right away over the things that really can wait. 

Do 

Try and incorporate some of these practices into your work on a consistent basis. Taking time off can be a great way to jumpstart a new routine of switching off during your down time--think evenings and weekends rather than the longer stretch of a vacation. It’s healthy to reevaluate the things that just don’t work for you anymore, like attending happy hours every night of the week or writing emails in bed late at night. 

As with any new routine, change is hard! It's okay if setting new boundaries feels uncomfortable or doesn't turn out perfectly the first time. Keep practicing until it becomes a natural part of your work/rest flow.