The Power of Taking Time Off

“You haven’t taken a break for over XX days.  Maybe you should book some annual leave” – that’s what our HR system was telling me only the other day 😊

So having just spent a week off work (really staying away from most emails!) and enjoying time with my family during half term, I thought I’d pen a few words together why, in hindsight I always feel it’s important to take some time out.

I'm really fortunate to work for an organisation with a whole lot of support for people both in terms of taking time out, to on the job support.

It’s a really obvious thing to say, but for many, myself included often a break can lead to either a steep increase in the work you need to do before you head out, or the days upon your return (I find it depends how long you’re out…1 week, there’s work waiting for you, 2 weeks, some of the work is urgent enough to be picked up, 3 weeks…if it’s important it’ll be done, and if it’s not, it generally fizzles out…but three weeks annual leave…wow! 😉). 

Where the lines between work and personal life are increasingly blurred, taking some time off is often viewed as a luxury we can't afford. However, it's crucial to recognise that taking breaks is not a luxury but a necessity for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and nurturing our mental health.

1. Recharge and Rejuvenate: When we're constantly immersed in work, stress can accumulate, leading to burnout. Taking time off allows us to recharge our physical and mental batteries, ensuring we return to work with renewed energy and focus.  As we head into the second half of the year, now is the time to make things count for our customers and our colleagues.
2. Enhanced Productivity: Paradoxically, stepping away from work can boost productivity. Short breaks throughout the day and longer vacations can provide clarity, allowing you to return to your tasks with fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.  This one has been the hardest to get back into in our post-pandemic world.  Previous to lockdown, I often spent time walking the floor engaging with my team face to face and taking the time out.  Working from home during lockdown slowly saw days with back to back calls build up, unless you got on top of your diary fast!  Hybrid working and the focus on calls has meant we’ve not been able to return to previous ways of working – the new normal brings new challenges to overcome.
3. Improved Mental Health: Continuous work without breaks can lead to high stress levels and anxiety, which can, in turn, lead to mental health issues. Taking time off provides an opportunity to manage and alleviate stress, promoting mental well-being.  LovingLive reports that the number of people suffering from stress has continued to increase from 2019/20 into today – despite the impact lockdown brought on us, it appears many of us are still struggling.
4. Strengthening Relationships: Work can sometimes take a toll on personal relationships. Spending quality time with loved ones during your time off helps maintain strong connections and provides emotional support.  I’m super lucky my son and my wife were off at the same time, so we spent much of the week together.
5. Personal Growth: Taking time off allows you to pursue hobbies, interests, and personal development. It's an opportunity to learn new skills, explore your passions, and grow as an individual outside of your professional life. Whilst it wasn’t my first choice, I did have the chance to complete a major assignment for my MBA which has been lurking for much of the summer.  That in itself brings a massive sense of achievement!
6. Prevent Burnout: Consistently overworking yourself can lead to burnout, which is characterised by exhaustion, reduced performance, and a sense of detachment from work. Regular time off helps prevent burnout, ensuring you remain engaged and enthusiastic about your job.
7. Setting an Example: Demonstrating the importance of work-life balance by taking time off can inspire colleagues and employees to do the same. It sets a positive example and fosters a healthier work culture.  Even if you don’t head out yourself, encouraging others to take some time out is crucial – not in a way which undermines them, but in a supportive manner which demonstrates your commitment to the team as a whole. 
8. Physical Well-being: Time off allows you to focus on your physical health. Whether it's through exercise, relaxation, or simply getting a good night's sleep, taking care of your body is integral to maintaining a balanced life.

Taking time off is not a selfish act; it's an investment in your overall well-being and your ability to excel in your professional life. To achieve true work-life balance and maintain a healthy mental state, remember to regularly schedule breaks, vacations, and personal time. By doing so, you'll not only benefit yourself but also the people around you, and ultimately, your work productivity. 

As I've said before I don't want this to sound like an obvious statement to make, but I suspect if many of us are honest with ourselves and take a moment to step back from the demands placed upon us, time to recharge is always a good thing. A few hours to a few weeks...even three!

Finally, just a thought - sometimes it takes just a moment to check in with a colleague and ask if they are ok...not like a pleasantry at the start of the next Teams call, but really "hey how are you doing?"... It can mean a lot, let's look after ourselves and each other.