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Canberra Today 15°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Why it’s really important to get a good rest and a break

Cartoon: Paul Dorin

“GET rid of any distractions and let people know that you’re not working and you’re not available,” is clinical psychologist Dr Vivienne Lewis’ advice for the holiday season.

Psychologist Dr Vivienne Lewis… “Having that relaxation of your body and your mind helps rejuvenate you.”

She says in the lead up to Christmas and the summer holidays, there is often an increase in people experiencing stress and feeling overwhelmed. She says while this is normal, there are a range of strategies to use to help someone make the most of their downtime.

Dr Lewis works as an assistant professor at the University of Canberra and has spent nearly 21 years in the industry.

“I try to help people find a balance and realise it’s their holiday time, just as much as it is other people’s,” she says.

The best first step is getting as many tasks done as possible before finishing up for the year and entering the holiday season, “so it’s all out of the way and you’re not left thinking about the work you left behind”.

Dr Lewis says it’s important to then treat yourself to something that will help you wind down and make the mental switch from work mode to rest mode.

“Try and do something relaxing at the very start of the holiday, do something that eases you into the break and into the feeling of being on a break as soon as you can.”

She says setting up an automatic out-of-office email will instantly let co-workers know you won’t be responding, and turning off notifications and shutting down the computer will help remove any temptation.

“If your brain is still really ticking over and there’s a lot to worry about for work, keep a notebook close by and jot some things down, and then put it to the side as best you can,” she says.

There are physical and mental benefits that you’ll notice if you make the most of your time off, says Dr Lewis.

“Having that relaxation of your body and your mind helps rejuvenate you, it increases your mood, helps you feel more lively and it reduces anxiety and stress.”

She says people need to give themselves permission to have a break, rest, and relax, in order for them to return to work refreshed in the New Year.

“Switch off from everything, including social media,” she says.

Checking work emails, making yourself available or logging on while on holiday makes a continuous cycle of stress, and keeping yourself “in the loop” for work activity doesn’t allow you to make the most of your time off.

“If you don’t take the break, you’ll start the New Year just as exhausted as you are now because you can’t relax if you’re waiting for phone calls and emails,” she says.

But what if there’s an emergency? Well…

“Let people know you’re having a mobile-free day or week, so if people need to contact you there’s a landline or there’s somebody else they can contact.”

She says there’s always a way of contacting someone if it’s absolutely necessary. However, if it requires more steps than simply calling a mobile number, co-workers will often reconsider whether it’s actually an emergency.

“The good thing about the holidays is that most people are on holidays, so there’s no point writing emails or doing work because no one is going to be there anyway,” Dr Lewis says.

She often tells people to avoid being the person who is always available, “if people know you’re checking emails and taking calls, they will contact you.” Becoming uncontactable, or not responding to emails, text messages or phone calls that aren’t urgent, means co-workers won’t continue to try and make contact, and you won’t have to waste time or stress on unimportant tasks.

“This year has been difficult for everyone, and I think it’s really important to get a good rest and a good break and be present with your family and friends.”

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Ian Meikle, editor

Lily Pass

Lily Pass

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