As the year draws to a close, it’s normal to feel a bit drained. While we all aspire for productivity and fulfilment, it’s crucial to acknowledge that allowing ourselves moments of rest is just as important as getting everything done.

The end of the year presents the perfect opportunity for a reset. It allows us to recharge for the new year ahead, reflect on our accomplishments, set new intentions, and relax – properly.

Here are some tips on how to take a better break from work during the end-of-the-year festive season. From planning a staycation to disconnecting from technology, we’ll discuss actionable strategies to leave you feeling refreshed and motivated, ready to take on the new year.

The importance of taking breaks

Taking time off from work to rest, relax, and recharge is not just a luxury – it’s a necessity. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it’s important to recognise that productivity and success are not synonymous with endless work hours and the absence of breaks.

Research shows that individuals who take breaks during the workday and utilise their holiday time perform better than those who don’t. Breaks are proven to decrease stress levels, lower the risk of burnout and mental health issues, and improve overall well-being.

In a society that encourages a fast-paced and highly productive lifestyle, it’s more crucial than ever to prioritise taking time off.  Rest is not a sign of weakness but a smart strategic decision that can lead to greater success in the long term.

4 ways to rest and take a real break

1) Plan ahead

Planning your off time and organising your workload ensures a smooth transition from work to rest.

Start by setting clear boundaries with your colleagues and stakeholders, and communicate these boundaries early on. Let them know what your tasks and deadlines are, and ensure everyone is aware of your leave time. This will help you avoid last-minute requests and keep your workload manageable before your break.

Delegating tasks is also an effective way to manage your workload and avoid unnecessary stress during your time off. Identify tasks that can be delegated and prioritise them based on their importance and urgency. Reach out to colleagues you trust and allocate the tasks accordingly.

Another effective way to manage your workload is to organise tasks and projects based on their importance and deadlines. Break down larger projects into smaller tasks and prioritise them based on urgency and importance.

Bonus tip: Always provide clear instructions and guidelines to avoid any misunderstandings or delays with your delegations. Create a to-do list and schedule your tasks accordingly to ensure maximum productivity.

2) Unplug from work

Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily professional lives, it’s easy to get consumed by work-related tasks. Sometimes, it reaches the point where disconnecting from work feels impossible, even during our well-deserved breaks.

However, it’s imperative that you take the time to unplug and recharge to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

One way to achieve this is by managing email correspondence effectively, setting up auto-responders to let people know you will not be available, and establishing clearly defined boundaries that discourage work-related intrusions.

As professionals, we must prioritise our well-being to perform at our peak, achieve our long-term career goals, and present our best selves in both our work and personal lives.

3) Relax and take care of yourself

Taking time for relaxation and self-care is crucial for achieving success in both career and personal life. Engaging in activities such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, doing physical exercise, and practising mindfulness can significantly rejuvenate your mind and body.

Spending quality time with loved ones can reduce stress and promote a positive mindset. Hobbies like reading, painting, or playing sports can help you unwind and stimulate creative thinking. Physical exercise can improve health, boost confidence, and increase energy levels. Practising mindfulness techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can reduce anxiety and increase focus.

Finally, taking a vacation can provide an opportunity to re-energise and remove yourself from the daily grind, giving your mind and nervous system a much-deserved and needed break.

Incorporating these activities into your routine can positively impact your overall well-being and enhance your productivity and motivation in the workplace.

Bonus tip: Take this holiday season as a time to experiment with what self-care activities work for you, and try to make them a habit for a more balanced mindset in the new year.

4) Reflect and set intentions

Take a moment to reflect on the past 12 months and consider your personal and professional growth. Introspection is a valuable tool that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and gain clarity on what you need to work on to reach your full potential.

Setting intentions for the upcoming year can help you realign and focus your energy and motivation towards achieving your goals. It’s a great way to ensure that you’re moving in the right direction and at the right pace.

Start the new year feeling fresh

Whether you’re starting a new job, looking to advance in your current role or switch career paths, the new year presents an opportunity for fresh starts and exciting opportunities. Take advantage of your break to plan and strategise for the upcoming year. With reflection, goal-setting, and planning, you can position yourself for personal and professional growth in the year ahead.

This holistic approach to success is something we prioritise in our Career Accelerator programmes. If you’d like to learn more about what we have on offer, take a look here.