We have a cultural obsession with productivity. When we look at the statistics, we see that a record 768 million U.S. vacation days went unused in 2018. More than half of Americans don’t take all of their days of paid vacation. There are many layers as to why this is the case, but for most Americans, it boils down to either the burden of travel expenses or worrying about work.
Our workaholic culture shames workers for taking time off — even in the face of burnouts and breakdowns. Ultimately, the work around the clock mentality makes us less efficient, unfocused and drained.
Even when we do wind up taking a vacation, we often find ourselves unable to truly disconnect. Being “productive” on your vacation isn’t about keeping up with emails and answering client calls poolside.
Being productive on vacation is about focusing on real rest and rejuvenation.
4 Ways to Have a Productive Vacation
1) Disconnect.
First things first, we have got to learn how to disconnect. In the digital age, there’s an unspoken expectation to be always available. Reject this standard when you’re taking vacation days. You’re taking them to get away from work for a while. If you change the setting but keep all of the daily trappings of a work routine, like checking emails and making calls, then all you’ve done is paid for a change of scenery.
You’re not going to get any real benefits from your vacation.
Commit to disconnecting. Set up an “away from the office” message on your email and phone. Any reasonable person will understand that you’re on vacation and are not to be bothered.
2) Do What You Want to Do.
Sometimes a vacation can wind up more stressful than the regular workweek. This happens when we cram a bunch of undue expectations on our time. You might feel as though your vacation isn’t “worth it” unless you see all the sights, visit all of the top bars and restaurants, and do all there is to do.
I’ll give you a tip: you don’t have to do all that stuff.
If that’s what you enjoy and it relaxes you, by all means! But if keeping a strict vacation schedule stresses you out, just don’t do it. There’s nothing wrong with sticking to the beach house or cabin all week. You don’t have to schedule your vacation time or do everything for it to be worthwhile.
Do what you want to do and what you personally find relaxing and enjoyable.
3) Engage with Loved Ones.
Chances are, you’re not alone on your vacation. Even if you do take a solo trip, don’t neglect your social life. Socialization is key to mental and emotional health. For most of us, that means taking the time to focus on our families and friends. It can be easy to isolate yourself while you’re on vacation — and there’s nothing wrong with a little alone time.
However, cultivating and caring for your interpersonal relationships will help you feel more connected, understood, and supported when it’s all said and done. Make memories together, not alone. You might feel like you need to take a break from being “dad,” but your kids are going to remember and cherish the vacation time you spent with them — loving them, investing in them, and being there.
And looking back, I know you will, too.
4) Refresh Your Brain.
Vacation is supposed to help us avoid burnout and all kinds of fatigue that come from the 9-to-5 grind. It’s also a great time to reignite your love for other ventures. Engage your brain in new and meaningful ways while you’re taking time off.
That might mean picking up the book you’ve been meaning to read, focusing on a favorite hobby, or learning something new. I’m not saying pick up a second language while you’re on the beach. But engaging your brain in new, enjoyable ways is a great way to stimulate the mind and open yourself up to new ideas and perspectives.
When you get back to the working world, you might be surprised how much it helps. Part of being productive on your vacation is doing what is best for your mental and emotional health. That likely doesn’t mean turning into a couch potato.
Give your mind new, needed stimulation to help break yourself out of the mental rut of the workweek.
How do you really relax while you’re on vacation? Share in the comments.