Make the Most of Your Summer Break (and Why You Need One)
When was the last time you took a summer break? I mean a real break - no work, nothing scheduled, just enjoying being, whatever that looks like for you. The last long break I had was in the spring of 2020, when I intentionally took a few months off between jobs. I spent a lot of time reading, doing yoga, gardening, and resting. I haven't had a break like that since. And while I am not taking a break like that now, I am taking a small break from the norm for this week's edition of The Better Boundaries Brief.
As the summer sun reaches its peak, it's a reminder for all of us to take a step back and prioritize our wellbeing. Taking breaks, especially during the summer, is not just a luxury—it's a necessity for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Studies consistently show that taking time off can lead to numerous health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mental health, and enhanced productivity upon returning to work. Yet, despite these benefits, many workers in the U.S. struggle to fully utilize their vacation days. According to a U.S. Travel Association report from 2020, American workers left a staggering 768 million vacation days unused. In contrast, countries like France and Germany, which have more generous vacation policies, see higher rates of vacation usage and report better overall wellbeing among their workers.
U.S. Travel Association, Unused Vacation Days and Lost Benefits
This discrepancy highlights a cultural difference in how vacation time is perceived and utilized. In many European countries, taking a summer holiday is not just encouraged but expected. Employers recognize the value of rested employees and the positive impact it has on both the individual and the organization.
According to an Urban Institute report, nearly a quarter of employees in the U.S. don’t have access to paid leave, and that policy failure affects the people who most need it – people with lower incomes, people who work part-time or multiple jobs, and people living below the federal poverty level. And Black and Hispanic or Latino workers have less access to paid leave than White workers. I’ve written about some of these disparities in a previous edition of this newsletter – A Tale of Two Strep Throats.
Urban Institute, Access to Paid Leave by Educational Attainment, Family Income, and Race/Ethnicity
So, how can you take advantage of the leave that you have, make the most of your summer break, and set healthy boundaries?
🗺Plan Ahead: Schedule your vacation time well in advance to ensure you can take the days you need without last-minute work pressures.
📵Disconnect: Truly unplug during your time off. Set an out-of-office message, turn off work notifications, and avoid checking emails. That goes for personal interruptions as well – set app timers and establish no-phone times with your family while on vacation.
🥰Prioritize Self-Care: Use your break to engage in activities that rejuvenate you – whether it's traveling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying some quiet time alone.
✋🏽Set Boundaries: Communicate clearly with your team about your availability and ensure that work responsibilities are handed over or paused during your absence. This also applies to setting boundaries with yourself – for example, not responding to the inevitable work email that comes in.
📝Reflect and Recharge: Use this time to reflect on your personal and professional goals and recharge your mental and physical energy. Taking time to evaluate where you are on your path for the year can help ensure a more intentional approach to work that supports your well-being.
As we head deep into the second half of the year, it’s a great time to take a break, resist the impulse to do, and just be. Taking a summer break isn't just a personal benefit—it's a step towards fostering a healthier workplace culture that values and respects the need for rest and rejuvenation. So, go ahead, take that break, and return with renewed energy and a clearer mind.
Did you know that there is a National Plan for Vacation Day? It’s the last Tuesday in January, so mark your calendars for 📅 January 28, 2025 and make yourself a priority. People who plan for vacation are happier with everything, including personal relationships, work-life balance, their company, and their job.