By Heather Foley,

It’s all very well and good when people say that vacations are critical. For you, however, you may feel that this statement may not apply. Perhaps you’ve recently been promoted and need to prove yourself. Perhaps you’re working on a major project. Perhaps you’re the business owner, and you feel you need to be in the office. Whatever the situation that makes you feel like a vacation is the last priority, any business guru or academic will tell you that you need to switch off. But how do you do that, while keeping on top of things?

1. Use technology

For some people, technology can be a curse. They feel they can never really get away from the office. Certainly, technology can lead to dreadful habits that are counter-productive and can burn out even the most resilient of leaders. But, if you use it to your advantage, it’s a truly wondrous thing. Not every moment of a holiday is relaxing, inspiring, or wonderful. In those ‘dead’ moments when you’re waiting at an airport, queuing up for ice-cream, or waiting for your starter to arrive, it’s easy to check your smart ‘phone or tablet and keep yourself up to speed.

You can make those quick decisions that avert disaster, and opportunities are not wasted. A small investment in the latest technology can pay dividends.

2. Set a time

Conversely, if you’re checking your phone every five minutes, you’ll never be able to relax. It’s worth taking time to analyze the risk-levels in your role or team. Can anything really serious happen in three hours? If not, put time aside for rest and relaxation. Plan when you’re going to check in with the office. In that way, when you’re having fun, you can genuinely switch off, and when you’re checking in, you can feel guilt-free.

3. Give directions

Try to differentiate between what’s trivial and what’s genuinely important. Ensure that anything unimportant is immediately delegated. The better a leader you are, the more your team can thrive without you. Clearly, if you’re new to the role then you won’t have had much time to shape, create or mold your own team yet. However, before you take a break, think about how you can prepare your team to deal with situations in your absence. Give them clear responsibilities and direction. Give them someone they can go to for advice in your absence.

Above all, they need to know what exactly they can handle themselves, and what they would need to contact you about.

4. Enjoy the rest of the time

For the majority of the year, you probably feel that you work hard, motivate others, support those who need it and challenge others. You need to appreciate that your time away is an investment in both yourself and in the people you leave at work. If you return refreshed and rejuvenated, then those around you will benefit too. Don’t feel guilty about taking a break.

It’s easy to believe that you’re indispensable. You may believe that your workplace can’t survive without you and that no one could possibly do your job. If that’s the case, you need to challenge your own perception of holidays and breaks. Lead by example and demonstrate the many benefits that are to be had from taking time out. Use technology to help you to bridge the gap, but, above all, enjoy your time away. See it as a refresher course, where the goal is to refresh you!