Why taking annual leave and really switching off is important for your mental health…….
The impact of the pandemic and the issues with travel have made the usual plans for holidays more difficult, meaning more people are delaying taking annual leave……
However, it is imperative that you still take a break and really switch off.
The world is 24 hours 7 days a week, have we forgotten how to relax?
Studies have found that having regular holidays from work can really benefit your mental health and wellbeing. As well as providing a change of scene, they can help reduce stress, which can lead to health problems like depression, anxiety, and obesity.
Benefits to an employer are……
Improve morale – happier staff equals happier teams
Increase productivity – having a well-rested and motivated staff helps workflow
Increase employee retention – less turnover of staff
Decrease unplanned absences – less people taking sick leave.
Tips for preparing for annual leave so you can switch off completely
Remember annual leave is not an added extra, you are legal required to have it…..
Plan your schedule in advance, reassign tasks to others for while you are away or schedule meetings for when you return. So no need to check your inbox.
Put your out of office on in advance and communicate your annual leave to key stake holders.
Have a return-to-work plan in place, this will prevent you from worrying while you are away.
You may not want to risk traveling overseas? Get creative and find out how beautiful the UK is……
Explore the countryside, people who spend time outdoors are more hopeful.
Getting in the fresh air is great exercise which improves both your physical and mental health.
Staying in this country takes away the stress, worry and expense of travel, plus there is so much to discover on our own doorstep.
Whatever you decide to do it is important to firstly take time off. Secondly to spend it doing things that make you feel relaxed and happy. This will help you to switch off from work and give your health and wellbeing a welcome boost.