The work life gets rougher every year and more and more of us wonder how to unplug properly so that we could genuinely enjoy the time off. Whether we’re talking about a weekend or a full Summer vacation, unplugging as much as you can is a massive favour to yourself.
In fact, did you know that Millennials already have the advantage when it comes to unplugging for some time off? Well, as hard as it may be to believe, that’s what research shows us.
Oh yes, multiple surveys (here and here) show that Millennials are actually much better and smarter at controlling their time spent online. This is opposite to what is often feared or talked about in the media.
When you decide to leave your phone/laptop alone for a certain amount of time it’s literally referred to as ‘unplugging’. This has a direct effect on how us younger generations perceive our free time overall;
- kicking all obligations to the curve is appreciated and very highly valued by Gen Z and Millennials
- whereas older generations have a stronger feeling of responsibility, which can often interfere with their free time and their ability to unplug.
Let’s dig a little deeper and see how you can also achieve this and fully unplug yourself from work and social media to enjoy the actual realities of life for once.
The Perks of Unplugging
Millennials are more tech-savvy than the older generations, so they recognise that unplugging completely is probably not the best idea. We grew up with the Internet and thus have a more thorough understanding of it.
That’s why we recognise the perks of it, which include but are not limited to:
- The risk of getting lost is reduced because we can always find ourselves on the (Google)map
- Danger of being misunderstood due to language barriers disappear when we navigate our way through the translation apps
- Saving or budgeting money has become as easy as can be with free apps giving us the support and accountability that we need
- Managing one’s time, creating meal plans and shopping lists can all be given to AI to administer while we just take care of the execution.
Millennials are also much more worried about the climate crisis than the older generations. Perhaps because older generations hope they’ll be gone by the time shit really hits the fan.
The awareness of the world around us shows especially in travel preferences. Many would rather choose remote and less mainstream destinations. Millennials also want to do their part for the local community by purchasing services provided by locals rather than big corporations (such as hotels).
As such, many Millennials and Gen Z’ers are guilt-free in regards to social norms. We don’t care if some ancient norms have dictated that our sole purpose in life is to stay in debt, reproduce and work for big corporations.
Instead, if we want to take a year-long vacation in Thailand or Italy, then we will do it regardless of what anyone might think or say. Unlike our parents! But how to unplug so that you can enjoy your life like this as well?
How To Unplug Successfully – X Tips
The whole point of figuring out how to unplug successfully is to give yourself permission to just chill! Forget about all obligations and schedules because in the long run that will benefit you (and everyone around you).
Sometimes it’s easier said than done, though. There might be family or relationship responsibilities, work worries or health related issues holding you back. Nonetheless, allowing yourself actual time off when you’re on vacation is actually more important than all of the above. Because guess what? Nobody else is able to allow you that!
So, let’s find out some action steps to properly unplug this time around:
1. Set Boundaries and Turn Off Notifications
Boundaries are always the first step. This world has treated us like shite for a long time, that’s enough! It’s time to learn to say no.
Accept the fact that there will always be people who do not like you for setting boundaries, but also acknowledge that those people probably shouldn’t be wasting your energy and time anyway. So, how to unplug by setting boundaries?
- Starting off with work commitments, let your colleagues, clients, and boss know when you’ll be unavailable. That way they can’t tell you they didn’t know. It’s not your problem if they didn’t listen!
- Set up an out-of-office email response with clear return dates and emergency contacts. And then make sure that you don’t fuck it up by checking your emails constantly!
- To make the previous point easier to follow: disable work emails, Slack, and other work-related notifications on your phone.
- Your work email should be separate from your personal email. If not, THIS is the moment you create a personal email that’s separate from work… DO IT!
None of the above is going to be sustainable, though, unless you also disconnect mentally. The whole point of having a vacation is to ensure that you don’t burn yourself out. Because if you do, you can’t take care of all of those supposedly important responsibilities and obligations at all anyway.
Remember that burn-out is a self-inflicted condition. So stop being a twat and get those life priorities in order. No, work is not a life priority!
Finish or Delegate Work
Guilt, on the other hand, is a very real and a very disturbing ailment especially for us women. So, when you’ve set those boundaries, taken the action steps and gone on a holiday, you need to make sure you don’t slip.
So, how to unplug in a way that sticks? Some extra steps you can take to ensure work doesn’t disturb your time off are:
- Wrap up major work tasks and delegate responsibilities with clear instructions so that nobody can use the “this is urgent!” excuse to pull you back in.
- When you know that you’ll be off work soon, avoid scheduling projects or deadlines right before or after your break. When asked to take something on, suggest the project to someone else.
And while on the actual vacation, journaling every morning and evening can help empty your head from unwanted thoughts and useless guilt. Also staying busy with things you enjoy doing while having some time off do wonders for your wellbeing.
2. Practice Being Fully Present
Once you’ve mastered the gift of setting boundaries (which can take a minute), you can learn to enjoy the moment. I’m not going to lie, though, this step does take some self control. But it’s also a great way to practice this very useful ‘muscle’ on your quest to find out how to unplug properly.
First and foremost you must do everything in your power to resist the urge to check in with work. Come up with a list of distraction tactics like activities that require your full attention. Things like hiking (just get out of the house!), swimming, cooking or exploring new places.
I understand that you think that your workplace will crash without you and the world with it, but my love, that is very selfish of you. It’s not your company, so it’s not your business (pun intended). And the world will still keep turning no matter how many of us kick the bucket today or tomorrow.
- To make extra sure that you disconnect successfully you could also create a tech-free zone for your time off.
- If you must post on/check social media (because we do!), then set a certain time limit per day for it. And stick to it!
- When you don’t specifically need your phone, leave it in the hotel/home or switch to airplane mode.
- And on a random note, find a penpal to correspond in actual letters with: that’ll keep you present for a bit.
3. Redefine Productivity
In order to boost your success rate when figuring out how to unplug properly, you should probably reconsider what is and isn’t productive. Let’s start with the famous three: should, would, could.
You know the feeling, as if you “should be doing something”. Sure, you should, could, maybe would, but do you NEED to? Is it an absolute must? What happens if you don’t?
How about trying a different perspective and embracing the idea that doing something for yourself instead of everyone else is a great idea? Or that rest is actually an achievement in a world that is literally running head first to its end?
Rebellion is a strong word, but in fact the true rebels of this century are the ones who focus on things that bring them joy. Putting yourself first can be little things like dedicating some time each day for
- reading
- art
- solo adventures
- meditation
- or just doing absolutely nothing (this is a skill that very few people master).
Redefining productivity is a lot easier to achieve when you’re well away from any technology. So, head off to the forest or a beach and pay attention to your surroundings. Breathe in the fresh air, really savor a good meal, watch a sunset without rushing to take a photo.
Prioritising your own health and wellbeing is the most productive thing you can do!
4. Bring the Vacation Mindset Home
The newfound mindset should NOT end when you return to work after some time off. It’s always going to suck to go back but there are ways for you to soften the landing a bit. You could for example think ahead and book an extra day off at the end of your vacation as a ‘buffer day’.
That way you’re better able to mentally transition from a vacation brain back to the mundane everyday brain. Next step is to make sure you uphold those boundaries that you developed while learning how to unplug successfully. Definitely avoid overloading your first few days back with meetings and deadlines.
No matter how much you might be pestered by people who don’t appreciate you suddenly putting your own wellbeing first, stand your ground! Keep engaging in the relaxation habits you developed, like morning walks, reading for pleasure, or unplugging from social media.
Remind yourself that taking breaks regularly (not just on vacation) is essential for long-term wellbeing. Your wellbeing is the biggest guarantee of efficiency, whereas burnout equals incapability.
Final Thoughts
If you struggle to properly get into the holiday mode I suggest you ask yourself one question:
“Is [insert task, responsibility, obligation, etc.] something I need to do right now or can it wait while I take care of myself first?”
Learning how to unplug and be kinder to yourself will have a ripple-effect on everything around you; your family, friends and yourself. So, that’s your first step to ensure the best time off.
Say what? You were supposed to meet up with a group of friends on your first vacation day but don’t feel like leaving the comfort of your sunny balcony just yet? That’s fine!
Tell your friends you’ll see them later, grab that book you’ve been meaning to start for ages, pour yourself a glass of rosé and get comfortable. Because the truth is, everything else can wait ♥
