Dec 10, 2018

Necessary Tips For Holiday Unplugging

Necessary Tips For Holiday Unplugging

 

For many industries, the weeks in between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day are a slow-moving period. It’s due largely to the number of holidays that land in between that time frame, as both bank holidays and corporate mandated office closings often lead to a pause on all work activities. However, when owning and running your own company, it’s difficult to decide when and how to take part in that pleasant lapse in productivity.

 

It’s not a bad thing, either. We’re taught through various articles that the aspect of “unplugging” is something we all should make a ritual of from time to time. It’s necessary to reset our brain, eliminate some stress, and dedicate time to a better quality of life. During the holidays, this unplugging is especially necessary, since it’s during this time that the most memories are made and you want them spent with loved ones—not with your face glued to a laptop screen. Here are some ways to effectively unplug during the holidays while still keeping busy with work.

 

Eliminate the guilt.

The first step to unplugging is admitting that an unplug is necessary. During the holiday season, the rush is less intense which allows for even more of a reason to take some downtime. You’re less likely to miss a beat during those weeks if you take some time off. There’s no reason to feel guilty about taking a break. It’s necessary; especially during the holidays.

 

Make use of Do Not Disturb.

Unplugging is a physical act just as much as it’s a mental one. Take advantage of the “Do Not Disturb” features on your devices. Set hours when your devices will shut down—this can even be during daylight hours—and focus on anything else, from family to self-care. Sometimes we forget that social media, emails, and texts are just as much a part of “work” as physically sitting behind a laptop.

 

Have shortened work hours.

Sometimes a total shutting down during the holidays is impossible, and that’s understandable. It’s important, though, to recognize when there is space to take a break. Assess your calendar over those weeks and establish an amended work schedule. Dedicate some hours to work and then dedicate some hours to complete inaccessibility. Make a schedule if need be and do your best to stick to it.

 

Let your clients and loved ones know.

Once your schedule is set, inform your clients of your holiday work hours to prepare them for your break. Then they’ll know when you’re available to meet, work, or have conference calls. Further, let your family and friends know that you’ll be working some hours and can’t be disturbed when you are working; when it’s time to unplug, they’ll have your full attention. Much like your work schedule, make a schedule for when you’ll spend time with loved ones and completely unplug.

 

Book a weekend getaway.

Sometimes you have to get away to unplug. If weekdays aren’t the ideal time to unplug, then try the weekend. What better way to do that than taking a little trip? Leaving the area where your work is located also allows you to mentally separate from the work itself. Check out some spots to plan a quick trip, fly out on a Thursday night and come back on Sunday. That is plenty of time.

 

Enjoy yourself.

The holidays are supposed to be fun, and not a time for added stress, especially when allotting time for that fun. When you unplug, truly unplug and be present in the moment. You only get this opportunity once a year, so make it count!