Mean it when you schedule time off this holiday season

We all talk about unwinding after particularly busy times at work, but how well do we actually make good on that promise to ourselves?  

When you take time off from work, do you really unplug, or do you check email every day and use your out of office reply to encourage people to call you on your cell if they need anything while you are away? 

I am guilty of having worked my way through a “vacation,” meaning I didn’t get the recharge I really needed, my family didn’t get the attention they deserved from me, and my employees were left wondering if I expect them to work when they are on vacation, too. Not good.  

Just recently, Tara and I decided it was time for a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of work. Our destination of choice was Destin, Florida, and its sun-kissed beaches, promising a tranquil retreat. Little did we know that this journey would not only be a break from work but a lesson in the importance of truly unplugging. 

Accompanied by our adventurous sons, Jacob (Courtney) and Joshua, and the ever-energetic presence of our granddaughter, Haven, we embarked on a vacation that held the promise of sun-soaked days and family bonding. As we set foot on the pristine sandy shores, the rhythm of the waves seemed to whisper, "Relax, breathe, and savor the moment." 

Our days unfolded without the usual soundtrack of ringing phones and incessant emails. This wasn't just a vacation; it was a conscious decision to break free from the tethers of work that often linger even when miles away from the office. With each sunrise, we found ourselves immersed in the simple joy of building sandcastles with Haven, watching the boys surf the waves, and enjoying long walks along the shoreline.

 As we basked in the Florida sun, I couldn't help but reflect on the rarity of this experience. I had often taken vacations but rarely allowed myself to fully unplug. This time was different. The absence of work-related stress allowed me to be present, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. 

The laughter of my family became the soundtrack to our days, replacing the usual cacophony of conference calls. Tara and I shared quiet moments, watching the sunset hand in hand, uninterrupted by the ping of incoming messages. It was a revelation – the realization that true decompression required more than a change of scenery; it demanded a conscious effort to disengage from the digital noise that permeates our daily lives. 

As the vacation drew to a close, I found myself rejuvenated in a way that transcended the physical relaxation. The memories etched in the sands of Destin became a testament to the importance of unplugging, not just for personal well-being but for the enrichment of the bonds that matter most. The smile on Tara's face, the laughter of my sons, and the joyous giggles of Haven – these were the treasures I brought back from our unplugged getaway.

In a world that perpetually demands our attention, I learned that true relaxation doesn't come from merely stepping away from work; it comes from immersing oneself fully in the present moment, surrounded by the people who make life meaningful. The beaches of Destin taught me that the real magic happens when we unplug not just from work but from the distractions that prevent us from fully embracing the beauty of the now. 

I know for those of us in the Medicare business, October through early December can be particularly intense, leaving us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. I’d encourage you to not only take a break this holiday season, but to mean it when you schedule time off. It’s important for your own mental well-being, and it also sets the example for your teammates when they take a break, too.  

I wish each of you a happy and healthy holiday season. Relax, recharge, and see you in 2024!