The Magic of Going on Holiday: 3 holiday tips that apply at work too
When you read this, I’ll be on holiday. Woohoo!
The magic of going on holiday often has little to do with the destination itself, but rather the feeling of freedom and excitement that comes from being able to take time off from work, school, or other obligations.
Being away from your normal routine can be so refreshing, not just because it allows you to relax, but also because it allows you to spend time doing new things and focusing on what’s important to you.
Consider how these holiday tips might be useful for you at work as well. And no, that doesn’t include wearing your swimmers all day long.
Set goals and make plans… or don’t
Sometimes on holidays I like to have everything - accommodation, flights, transfers, major activities - booked in advance. Then on the trip I can relax and just go where I'm pointed without needing to make lots of decisions on the big things - leaving me bandwidth and free space to enjoy the present moment.
Conversely, sometimes I prefer to set a general intention (a long weekend in Melbourne) and let the plans unfold in their own time. This can involve a little more focus on the ground to find and organise what's needed, and can mean I miss out on things that in retrospect might have been worth doing, but allows for more spontaneity. It can be fun to see where the twists and turns of the holiday energy takes me. If you're old like me you might remember the 1980s/90s mystery flights - a perfect example of the highs and lows of minimal planning and maximum improvising!
What do you hope to achieve while you're away? What are your plans for when you return? Do you want to relax and recharge, or do you want to explore and seek adventure? By being clear about your intentions, you can make the most of your time away.
Similarly at work, being clear on what you are aiming for, why, and within what timeframe can help you head in the right direction, tap into creative solutions and avoid detours - unless detours are what you are hoping for!
Do your research
When you're planning a trip, you research where you're going, what you'll need, and how to make the most of your time there.
For this trip we are hiking in the Tasmanian winter so it's been important to research and plan. We need enough food and the right cold-weather gear so we can stay warm and safe, and there won't be anywhere to pick up supplies out on the trail if we get it wrong. A summer week at the beach in a town with all the usual shops would need less planning.
The same is true for work; if you want to be successful, you need to do your research. But there's a difference between research and over-preparing or analysis-paralysis. Strike a balance between being prepared and staying open to new experiences and emerging developments.
Get the most out of your trip
Be curious. What you think you know might not be what is. Look around and observe everything - the food, the people, their lifestyles - ask questions. You'll find that you have more fun and get more from your trip if you don't stick to one thing every day (or eat at the same restaurant every night). Talk to locals who know their city inside out; they'll show you hidden gems no guidebook could ever find.
One of the best things about going on holiday is that it allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of your everyday life. It's a chance to relax, recharge, and be present in the moment. So take some time before your trip to make sure you're not being distracted. Turn off notifications on your phone so you can enjoy the view without having to worry about work emails or what happened in the news this morning. Set your out of office message and, if you really must work while you’re away, be intentional about when and for how long you will do that, then switch off again. Spending the entire holiday constantly scanning your work emails “just in case” means you never really invest in your downtime and will start, spend and finish the holiday in work mode. Bad.
Similarly at work, bringing a curious and open mindset, tapping into the views and expertise of the people around you, and wondering what else might be possible brings a sense of creativity, respect and exploration among the team. Being intentional about where you spend your time, energy and focus will both feel more enjoyable and be more effective.
What do you think? What holiday tips make sense at work too?
See you on the other side…
Madeleine
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