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In recent times our working habits have changed, particularly due to the Covid-19 pandemic and an ever changing world where everything is at the reach of our fingertips. Whilst some habits may have changed for the better, and working from home might seem luxurious for some, at MYNDUP we believe it’s vital for your mental health to continue to treat your work space just like an office, and make sure you use your full holiday allowance.
Working from home and having constant access to work emails and notifications through our phones, it’s easier to let work stresses impact the rest of your life. So why aren’t people using their full holiday? And how is this affecting individuals’ mental health?
Why you should use your full holiday allowance
Although you might be tempted to skip your holiday time, whether to save up days, impress your employer, or because you don’t see the point of a day off at home, taking regular breaks is vital. Everyone should be making use of their full holiday allowance.
Stress, boredom, and anxiety can stem from concerns about job security, confusion about your role, or a lack of communication and social interaction with colleagues. These factors are all amplified by the constant blur between work and home life. Working from home can make it all too easy to isolate yourself and avoid reaching out to others, whether they’re colleagues, friends, or family members.
It’s clear that when work and home life become too intertwined, your mental health can suffer. That’s why it’s crucial to take breaks and use your holiday allowance.
The benefits of using your full holiday allowance
Giving yourself a break can do wonders for your mental and physical wellbeing. Turning off your laptop, getting outside, doing something that isn’t staring at a laptop for hours on end, all of these are things that can really benefit us in the long and short term.
Taking a break and a few days to recharge your batteries, take a breath and relax are incredibly important and reduce the chances of you burning out and becoming overly stressed. It allows you to concentrate on relationships that are important to you, enjoy activities that you love, and focus solely on your own wellbeing for a short period of time.
Even if a holiday doesn’t involve travel, it’s important to make the most of your time off. Try exploring new areas, enjoying fresh air, breaking your daily routine, and reconnecting with people you may have lost touch with.
In fact, studies show that not only can taking holiday benefit your mental health, but also your long term physical health. The University of Helsinki has shown that taking holidays can be as good for your physical health as regular exercise, after a 40 year study tracked the holidaying and working habits of a control group.
By changing your day up and breaking the monotony of working life, you’ll reward your mind and your body.
"Holidays can give us a fresh wave of motivation and a positive mental boost. We can leave any worries behind & increase our creativity simply by connecting with new areas &/or interests ...gaining a deeper sense of awareness & personal growth.” - Caterina, Life Coach & Relationship Coach, Counsellor
Summary
We shouldn’t overlook the importance of taking a few days off here and there to maintain our mental health. In a world where stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent, taking time to disconnect from work, reconnect with loved ones, and engage in activities that bring you joy is essential.
Holidays, even if spent close to home, can provide much-needed rest and rejuvenation. So, don’t underestimate the value of your holiday allowance—use it to recharge and prioritise your well-being.