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June 15, 2011

4 Tips for Time Off

Making the most of vacations

 by Jenni Catron

One of the things I tend to neglect (and I know many leaders who struggle with this as well) is fully utilizing vacation time. I underestimate the value of rejuvenation that happens when I disconnect my mind from my usual routine and responsibility. I too easily miss the importance of time with family and friends, laughing, playing, and resting. And oftentimes my vacation is nearly over before I’ve really started to rest and relax.

The more complex my life and leadership get, the more I realize vacations are not a luxury; they are a necessity. In order to make the most of vacation, I’ve found I have to do four things:

Plan vacation time well in advance. I get it on the calendar early so I have something to look forward to and so that all the other demands on my time don’t edge it out.

Make it long enough. It usually takes me at least two to three days to disconnect fully from my daily routine and stressors. Because of this, I now build in enough time to decompress as well as time to actually enjoy being disconnected.

Don’t take work on vacation. This is such a great temptation for me. It always seems like there is just one project I need to do while I’m out. But I don’t; I let it wait. That includes turning off my e-mail too. As tempting as it is, everything can wait.

Be purposeful in using time to connect with family. When I’m with family, I focus on fully engaging with them. Instead of being a vegetative zombie, I try to use vacation time to reconnect—to be fully present with them—and make great memories.

For more ideas on how to create meaningful time off work, check out the download Successful Family Vacations.

Jenni Catron serves as the Executive Director of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. She loves a fabulous cup of tea, great books, learning the game of tennis, and hanging out with her husband and border collie. Jenni's passion is to lead well and to inspire, equip, and encourage other women to do the same. That passion drove Jenni to start the women's leadership community, Cultivate Her. Jenni blogs there and at www.jennicatron.tv.

Posted by Ashley Moore on June 15, 2011 2:29 PM

Related Tags: family, vacation

Comments

A key component in a vacation that really makes a difference is to leave all our electronics behind ... we are so wired that we truly don't know how to settle down. Always "on," most of us struggle to live life unplugged.

It's hard to embrace silence and solitude and truly focus in on our loved ones if we're constantly ringing, buzzing, tweeting, and checking in to see if the world is still moving ahead without us!

Thanks for the challenge!

Posted By: Linda Stoll | June 16, 2011 8:19 AM

Linda, that is so true... and one of my greatest challenges.

Posted By: Jenni Catron | June 16, 2011 1:05 PM

Jenni, thanks for addressing this important, but often overlooked need. You did a great job. Blessings, Jim

Posted By: Jim Watters | June 17, 2011 11:31 AM

Thank you so much, Jim!

Posted By: Jenni Catron | June 17, 2011 1:57 PM

Really true thanks for the advice

Posted By: Joy Oladapo | June 22, 2011 2:31 AM

I guess it says something when one has to read an article on how to take (and utilize) a vacation

Posted By: John Overman | June 22, 2011 2:45 PM

One of the things I'm striving for is being more intentional about my time off. Generally I schedule it once I'm exhausted and in desperate need of a vacation. My goal is to get to the place that I plan it out ahead of time. I think that would be much healthier, and like you say, it gives you something to look forward to.

Posted By: Pat Pope | June 24, 2011 10:11 AM

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