The case for stepping away..

Take a tech detox, down work tools at Friday close and do not think about work until Monday. Never check work emails whilst you are away on holiday. Try and disconnect from all work related media and even social media outside of normal working hours.

All common and great words of advice, we hear and read regularly. Sounds all very easy, however a hard stop or disconnect, whether at the end of the week or when you take a break can be hard. There will always be something bubbling around in your mind or a piece of work you have had to put down unfinished, as you set your out of office note, on your laptop.

When you are heading on holiday, this is usually done at some crazy late hour on your last night before finishing, often whilst trying to pack your bags. (Or maybe that is just me...) Then of course there is that issue or call you forgot to deal with, that you remember, as you as sitting at the airport, waiting for your flight!

If it's the weekend, that little voice in your head will potentially either be saying.. I will just finish off those few things on Saturday, which will turn in to 4 hours or so, trust me... Or you spend time thinking about what is outstanding and there for Monday. Sunday, in the middle of the night, mentally running through your list of things to do, is often the worst sleep of the week. A short 7 night break away, I have just returned from, has reminded me of the importance of stepping away fully. Yes I did have something I had forgotten to do, which I remembered at the airport and yes I did stay up late working and then send a flurry of emails at 5am in the morning, before heading to the airport. Once on the way, with no tech equipment with me, other than fleeting thoughts, I quickly realised, I had commenced my disconnect. So what was different whilst away?

• With clear head space, I found pragmatic solutions to a few difficult problems I had been laboring on. I had been worrying about some things that made no sense with a clear mind !

• A different environment and clear mind had my strategic juices flowing. Thoughts that popped into my mind briefly, made great sense and then as quickly moved on (a few scribbled notes ensured I did not lose the thought for my return)

• I slept better. I am away, so no matter what, the business and the team are equipped to handle whatever happens. Nothing I could do, where I was.

• We spent time sitting and immersing in beautiful nature. Have you ever sat and watched some ducks by a river, just going about their business? Peace and fresh air - perfect for balancing and calming a busy mind.

• I have returned feeling refreshed and calm. Will I have lots of things to catch up on, sure I will. Do I feel equipped to take everything in my stride, yes I do.

Taking a 7 day break to feel like this, is not always possible. Disconnecting and stepping away on a weekend is available every week and is so important in ensuring you maintain balance and clarity of mind. There is nothing wrong with spending a hour or so every odd weekend, however, it's too easy to make it a habit. As much as you think it is helping you keep on top of things, its actually preventing you from being the best you can be.

Make deliberate decisions knowing you will never have an empty desk. Remember to carve out time each Friday to close our your week and prioritise for the next. Your weekend or break away is time to reset, rest and focus on what you love, outside of work. If you feel you cannot possibly complete your role, without working on weekends or never disconnecting, there is a bigger question to ask yourself. Is this the right role or environment for you?. Until next time Lisa