You Don’t Need to Feel Guilty for Taking Time Off Over Christmas

Christmas is approaching, and many are looking forward to a well deserved break. But for some, it can spark something slightly different – guilt.

We live in a world that glorifies working 24/7, constantly being busy, and it makes relaxation seem like a luxury, and it can make you feel guilty for taking a break, even at Christmas.

Travel expert Justin Chapman at Go2Africa explains why you don’t need to feel guilty for taking a festive break, and how to switch off when taking time off.

THINK ABOUT WHY TAKING TIME OFF IS SO IMPORTANT

Taking time off allows you to recharge your mental battery, and allow your mind to relax and recover. Regular breaks are essential in preventing burnout, restoring balance and reducing stress that’s causing you to feel so emotionally, physically, and mentally exhausted. Time off can even help improve cognitive function, enhance creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, and make you more efficient when you get back to the office.

Everyone needs a break, and that it’s more than ok to prioritise yourself and your wellbeing. Practice some self-compassion and kindness, and reflect on your achievements and successes at work in the last year, if you feel like you need an extra push to allow yourself a break.

UNDERSTAND WHY YOU FEEL GUILTY

There’s often an unspoken expectation to be available, productive, and contactable at all times, and that includes during time off. This culture can make you feel like taking time off means you’re less committed to your role, especially if your co-workers and managers rarely take time off themselves, or continue to work even when they do take a break.

A 2018 study found that 60% of people check their work emails while on holiday, and with instant access to emails on your phone, it can be very tempting to have a quick look. It’s important to clearly communicate your availability (or lack of availability) to avoid work related messages during your leave that you feel guilty about not replying to.

PLAN AHEAD

When you stop working, the work doesn’t always stop with you – and the thought of returning to a mountain of tasks can be daunting. This fear of a backlog of work can make you hesitant to take leave, as it can feel like the stress of trying to catch up when you get back to the office will negate the benefits of your time off.

Leaving everything to the last minute is an almost guaranteed way to begin your holiday with stress. Plan ahead, making sure that your colleagues and clients know exactly when you’ll be out of the office, and ensure that your responsibilities are covered. If you know that you’ve delegated tasks well it’ll be easier to relax, knowing that things are being taken care of in your absence.

GROUND YOURSELF

If you can’t stop thinking about everything you didn’t get time to do before you holiday, anxiety coping techniques can be very helpful for getting your mind back to the present.

The 5-4-3-2-1 technique involves using all your senses to focus on the moment and avoid stressful thoughts. Try looking for five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This can you to refocus on where you are, rather than what needs to be done when you’re back in the office.

REMEMBER THAT TIME OFF IS A RIGHT, NOT A PERK

If you don’t feel guilty for accepting work perks like free lunches, bonuses, and healthcare, why should you feel guilty for taking time off? Remember that annual leave isn’t a perk, it’s a right and a necessity. Taking a break is essential for our mental and physical wellbeing, and you need time off to rest and recharge – and it can make you better at your job, so don’t feel bad.