Take Time for Vacation
DR. E. CAROL WEBSTER’S
SUCCESS!EZINE
TAKE TIME FOR VACATION
E. Carol Webster, Ph.D.
Original Copyright © 2011
Even though you’re feeling pinched by the bad economy, make time to take vacation. It’s not impossible to do. Just keep within your means and remember that the most important thing is to take time to de-stress and re-energize.
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Keep It Simple
You don’t have to go on an elaborate overseas trip to call it a vacation. Take a candid look at what you can afford and, if that turns out to be a “stay-cation”, that’s fine. Staying at home can be enjoyable too and the main objective is to have time to relax, enjoy your family and friends, and to restore the vigor and zest that’s drained by the stresses of work. There always are many free local activities to enjoy, so take advantage of these if the expensive tours and attractions are out of your reach right now.
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Unplug
You may feel indispensable to your job and social networks but, really, they’ll be just fine without you while you’re on vacation. Give yourself a break. Your mind needs it and your body does too. Though you may feel that constantly checking your mail or networking sites is enjoyable, this preoccupation carries tension with it – exactly what you’re trying to reduce while you’re taking time off. Even if you’re the boss and the buck stops with you, trust that you have trained your delegates well and that they can take care of things in your absence. You empower them when you give them a chance to shine. Try to limit your checking to key points in the day, such as beginning, middle, and/or end so that you can focus attention on yourself and your loved ones during your time off. They deserve it and so do you.
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Save A Day to Gear Up for Return to Work
Whether you vacation at home or go away, leave a day free to gear up for your return to work. This gives you time to unpack, do a few loads of laundry, get your clothes ready for the workweek, restock your groceries, gas up the car, get the kids organized, and prep your briefcase before heading off to work the next day. Try not to spend time getting a jump on your email and projects that you’ll be facing, even though you may not be able to resist scanning to see what you’re heading back into. Psychologically healthy workplaces understand that you’ll need time to do all this your first few days back and leave you alone to do it. Dysfunctional employers will act like you never left and will hassle you if you’re not up on everything the moment you walk in the door — but push back on this. That’s an unreasonable expectation and you need to say so. You can assure your boss that you’ll get up to speed as soon as possible, but you must be given time to transition back to work.
Vacations are important and it’s essential that you take time to give yourself a break. Your mind and body need the rest and taking time off helps you to restore the energy, motivation, and creativity that drives your success throughout the year.
About the Author:
Dr. E. Carol Webster is a clinical psychologist consultant in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
She is author of the book for those dealing with the stress of success ―
Success Management: How to Get to the Top and Keep Your Sanity Once You Get There,
The Fear of Success: Stop It From Stopping You! ―
the book to help you overcome fears that may be holding you back in your life and career
and
The Private Practice of Clinical Psychology in: Voices of Historical & Contemporary Black American Pioneers
To contact Dr. Webster visit online at https://drcarolwebster.com or call 954.797.9766.
E. Carol Webster, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychology Consulting
Mailing Address: 7027 West Broward Boulevard, #262 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
954.797.9766 http://DrCarolWebster.com
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