PANDEMIC | COVID-19

Housebound till 2021?

Now more than ever, booking time off is important if we’re to maintain our health.

If you’re not getting away for the rest of this year, it’s still important to take annual leave to avoid burnout and instead come back feeling healthy and recharged.

With many of us now working from home, you may feel there’s no escape from work — and so, now more than ever, booking time off is important if we’re to maintain our health.

So when you do decide to book time off I’ve collated 8 things you can do:

• Learn a language: How many times has this been on your new year’s resolution list? 6 months into the year and you blame time. Instead of mindlessly scrolling during your time off, try blocking out an hour a day to learn something new.
• Upgrade your sofa time: Many of the world’s most famous museums and galleries are now offering the best digital initiatives to satisfy your creative cravings. Take an afternoon to visit the Vatican Museums, imagine your morning in Paris at the Musée d’Orsay, or endure the tourists rushing through London’s History Museum. All of this, on the sofa in your slippers!
• Netflix & Chill…out: It may seem you do this too much, I know I certainly feel that way, but when you’re back working you’ll be wishing for some lazy time on the sofa. So with any extra time you have, find a binge-worthy watch and chill out.
• Life Admin: Use some of this time to do a financial check. Review the subscriptions you’re paying for that you’ve totally lost track of, maybe there is a way for you to switch energy providers and reduce your monthly bills. There are always ways to reduce your outgoings and save money, maybe this is your chance to do that!
• Spring clean: Admittedly this may not seem the most exciting way to spend your annual leave but studies have found that a relaxing and clutter-free home has a positive impact on people’s ability to focus. With most of our time being spent at home, you’ll be thankful to see your home sparkle. Who doesn’t love the smell of a clean home?
• Board Games: They are a great way to switch off, yet admittedly so frustrating. A nice way to let out some steam, get competitive with your partner, or find a virtual game to play with those far away.
• Cooking: Collate a list of your best dishes and get cooking. Nothing more to this, if you love to cook, make time for it whilst you’re off. I’m sure this will put a smile on the face of your loved ones! If you don’t, maybe now is the time to try your hand at some new dishes or learn how to make your favorite eat-out dishes at home…
• Reading: Lose yourself in a great story. Reading engages your imagination, in turn distracting you from anything else going on. Have you got friends who like to read too? Get deeper engagement with the story by setting up a book club. Encourage critical thinking and keep up your social interactions too.

So, have you booked that time off yet?

I get it, you’d rather use your holiday allowance to relax with a poolside cocktail and the sun shining down on your face, but right now that’s not really possible (unless you’ve got access to a pool and sunshine… if that’s you, why are you still reading this?) so: book time off. You may feel it’s useless but you’ll be thankful for the break when you go back to work.

Taking the time off will allow you to come back feeling fresh and energized, making you a better worker. And if it doesn’t, at least you’ll be a little happier!

What are you waiting for? Do it, book some time off.

PS If you know you’re taking some time out, make sure you’ve prepared as much as you can. Clear down your inbox, Slack messages, set your out of the office, and be sure to eliminate your notifications. Set Slack to snooze and remove emails from your phone — then you’ll be able to fully switch off with no distractions.

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