National mental health charity Turn2Me has published a list of four reasons why it’s important to take a break and turn on your out of office email notifications while you are on holidays. The charity stated that taking a break helps reduce stress levels, improves productivity, enhances relationships, and prevents burnout.
“It’s really important to fully switch off when you’re on annual leave,” said Fiona O’Malley, the CEO of Turn2Me. “If you’re still answering emails or phone calls, you’re still in work mode and not really unwinding. Try to resist the urge to check emails, and keep your out of office on, to let colleagues know that you’re unavailable until you come back. If you don’t do this, your time off just becomes a working holiday, which, for most people, defeats the purpose of going on holiday.”
Turn2Me’s four reasons why it’s important to truly switch off during holidays are:
1. It reduces stress: Taking a break allows our bodies and minds to recover from work-related stress, reducing cortisol levels and promoting overall wellbeing, leading to a healthier and more balanced life.
2. It improves productivity: Time off rejuvenates our mental and physical energy, enhancing focus and efficiency when we return to work. This rest period can lead to increased creativity and better problem-solving abilities.
3. It enhances relationships: Annual leave provides quality time to spend with family and friends, strengthening personal connections and social support networks, which are crucial for emotional health and resilience.
4. It prevents burnout: Regular breaks help prevent burnout by allowing us to disconnect from work pressures, recharge, and return with a renewed sense of motivation and enthusiasm for our tasks.
Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults living in Ireland and free, unlimited support groups on anxiety, depression, grief and relationship issues, all available on Turn2Me.ie
