By J. Mason
Online Career Tips Editor
This is the time of year for eating too much, sleeping in, getting and giving presents, and vacation. Unlike summer, we feel the need to protect our time off during the winter holidays because it’s about spending time with family and getting perspective before moving onto the next year. Before you take your time off, take some extra precautions to ensure a stress-free holiday this year.
Set a timer on accepting new work.
First, you need to decide at what time you’ll stop accepting new tasks for work. Co-workers sometimes use vacation as a reason for passing off work, don’t let that happen to you. Close the door before people start to knock. If you haven’t already, send out a courtesy message to colleagues you work closely with and let them know that you can assist with new projects on X date. This way they are aware, and you don’t look like a slacker.
Minimize your communication.
If you are still chatting up your “regulars” it could send mixed signals. Log out of your preferred messaging system to minimize your visibility leading up to your time off.
Make a to-do list with only five items.
Don’t complicate things. Anything over five is too much. Set your sights on completing something that takes an hour or less of your time to complete.
There are no exceptions, you need your break!
Once your day is up, sign out of work. Cheating yourself out of time you’ve allotted to a holiday can lead to stress, and resentment. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is no joke, and around this time of year it is a common occurrence. Having time to spend on things you enjoy to help you unwind is the way to go.
The last thing you need to remember is not to feel any guilt. Vacation is a use or lose type of thing. This time off is well deserved, so live it up, and don’t feel down about taking time off during the holidays.
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