I created Living ROI as a passion, to share my experiences and support others who want to live more authentic, joyful and fulfilling lives.
Dear Friends,
At the end of my December newsletter, Are You Over-Stimulated, Burned-Out and Need a Break?, I made a commitment: “Inspired by this topic, Colin and I just booked a vacation in February in a remote location. I am committing here that I will unplug from email and leave work behind!”
Well, February is here. Colin and I head off on our vacation this weekend. We will be on a beach and then in the mountains in South America. I am preparing to stay 100% true to my commitment to not work for my own wellbeing, as an example to my team and hopefully as an inspiration to others to do the same.
Here is what I’ve done to prepare:
- Cleared my calendar, completely
- Let key people know that I’ll be out and really won’t be working
- Arranged with my assistant to monitor my email and identified specific criteria for her to reach out to me in case of an emergency
- Put an out-of-office message on my email
- Wrote three newsletters (including this one) in advance so that I keep my cadence of weekly newsletters but still have time off
- Ideally, I wouldn’t have my computer with me, but I’m traveling straight from a work trip, and, I want to do some non-work writing while I’m gone. I will not go into my work email.
- Didn’t overbook the days right after my return so I can ease back in
In truth, this will be the first time in at least 18 years that I will not be checking work email and doing work for more than just a few days. I will be unplugged for two weeks!
It’s ridiculous that I’m nervous about this. I don’t think I’m alone; overworking seems to be endemic in our society today.
According to TakeBackYourTime.Org, an organization dedicated to improving lives by eliminating the epidemic of overworking, vacations are not a luxury, they are a necessity for a well-balanced, healthy life. Overworking and time stress threaten our health, our relationships, our communities and our environment.
And if you need more convincing, here are 10 Reasons Why Vacations Matter (for details on each of these, follow the link):
- Vacations Relieve Stress
- Vacations Help Prevent Heart Disease
- Vacations Help Maintain Focus
- Vacations Help Prevent Illness
- Vacations Improve Your Sex Life
- Vacations Make You Happier
- Vacations Strengthen Relationships
- Vacations Make You More Productive At Work
- Vacations Improve Your Sleep Quality
- Vacations Help You Get Thinner
Last, but not least, taking vacations can keep you young! Chronic stress is believed to accelerate the aging process.
On that note, I will be off now. I promise to share my experience of truly unplugging for an extended period of time when I’m back!
Wishing you a wonderful couple of weeks!
Barbara Fagan-Smith
CEO, ROI Communication
Chief Catalyst, Living ROI
“Being in control and in charge can be overrated. It’s time to loosen up, drop the reins, let go and prance with others just for the fun of it.” Colette Baron-Reid
