Power Up Your Unplugged Time
There is a tree directly outside my window that I love to watch throughout the year, especially as she changes and transitions through the seasons.
Recently, I noticed the smallest smattering of red leaves has started to appear.
TBH, I am a bit partial to transitional months like August because I’ve learned to embrace change—in everything—with anticipation.
August’s transitional period is a great time to return to the gentle rhythms we’ve lost in the sweet whirlwind of summer fun. I don’t know about you, but when I reach the point of non-stop notifications and hyper-connectedness to the screens in my life, I have to take deliberate steps to reset.
One of my very favorite ways to restore is simply this: unplug.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” —Anne Lamott
How To Unplug + Power Up For A More Aligned Autumn
When it comes to unplugging, I’m a huge fan of long, screenless weekends. I like taking an extra day or two around federal holidays like Labor Day. For instance, for the July 4th holiday, I stepped away from work for four days, and, let me tell you, it felt like four weeks! It was SO restful and restorative.
If you’d like to unplug for a long (or short) break, here are some of my best tips for preparing to be truly OOO (out of office):
Set up a clear out-of-office message to help minimize work pile-ups. For bonus points, be genuine and make it a little fun + creative. It’s hard to get annoyed with someone you know is taking a well-deserved break!
Delegate (or automate) essential tasks before you leave to help ensure a smooth return later.
Share your upcoming time off in your email signature in advance. It’s such an effective way to prepare your colleagues and clients for your absence.
Block out your calendar for catch-up the first day or two that you are back to avoid immediately jumping into a hectic schedule.
Want more tips like this?
The latest podcast episode, “Maximizing Your Summer PTO: Unplugging with Purpose,” has even more insights.
How To Bring Up Planned Vacation In An Interview Without Killing The Vibe
Bringing up time off in an interview can be awkward or anxiety-inducing for many heart-based job seekers, but it doesn’t have to be! Welcome to the Jungle recently interviewed me about how to discuss time off in a job interview.
Their article was picked up by LinkedIn News, and I hope its guidance helps you address the unmentioned elephant in the room.
If Productivity Is A Tree, It’s Rooted In Rest
Employers are discovering the many science-backed benefits of taking time off, and I LOVE that new corporate solutions are popping up. Whether you are an employee who has difficulty stepping away or you are a leader looking to provide fresh incentives, you’ll want to settle in and read this.
The Flourish Careers Podcast Is Included In The 2024 Top Career Podcasts Guide From Mac’s List!
The Top Career Podcasts Guide is a curated list of the best podcasts for advancing your career and job searching. This was a complete surprise, and I feel so honored to be among such good company. A great BIG thank you to all who have tuned in!
The Gardener’s Glove
A Monthly Newsletter
Want more career wisdom? Check out these podcast episodes/blog posts!
+Considerations Beyond Salary: Decoding Job Offers
+Should I Stay or Go: Heart-Based Career Decisions
+The Power of the Pause
For more insider stories, quick tips, and #CareerTalk, I invite you to connect with me on Instagram @flourish.careers.
