You work hard, and you deserve time off. For many, taking time away from work feels more stressful than just pushing through the day-to-day grind. There’s always an endless to-do list, last-minute requests, and the fear that stepping away will lead to a mountain of work when you return.

Here’s the reality: time off isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for your well-being, productivity, and long-term success. Research shows that regular breaks improve focus, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. The key is learning how to prepare for your time away, set clear boundaries, and ease back in smoothly.

1. Prepare for Your Departure

A little planning before you leave makes all the difference. You wouldn’t leave town without packing a bag, and the same logic applies to your work. Preparing for your time off ensures things run smoothly in your absence and prevents the dreaded “vacation hangover”—that overwhelming pile of work waiting for you when you return.

Here are some steps to set yourself, and your team, up for success:

❑ Make a schedule outlining who will handle key responsibilities while you’re away.

❑ Review emergency protocols so your team knows exactly how to handle urgent situations—without needing to call you.

❑ Set clear expectations for what needs to be completed before your departure.

❑ Update all notes and files to make hand-offs seamless.

❑ Communicate with key contacts (admin, subs, or managers) about your time away and ensure any major projects are on track.

❑ Avoid starting new, time-sensitive projects right before leaving—schedule them at least 72 hours after your return.

❑ Clear your workspace and finalize lingering tasks so you don’t return to unnecessary clutter or confusion.

❑ Partner with a colleague/neighbor/manager for on-call needs &/or emergencies.

2. Be Updated, Not Contacted

Technology makes it way too easy for people to reach you. Your phone, email, and messaging apps ensure you’re always accessible—unless you put systems in place to protect your time.

The goal isn’t to ignore what’s happening at work, it’s to control when and how you receive updates. That way, you stay informed without feeling like you’re on-call.

Here’s how to maintain your boundaries while away:

❑ Make it clear that you should only be contacted if an emergency arises—and be sure to define what qualifies emergencies.

❑ Set up an “update” system that allows you to check in on your terms:

• A shared Google Doc where team members log daily updates.
• A Google Calendar where key milestones, deliveries, or issues are tracked.
• A Dropbox folder for any time-sensitive files or reports.
• A single text message at the end of each day wrapping up the highlights

❑ Turn off push notifications from work emails, messaging apps, or project management tools.

❑ Commit to checking updates at specific times only (e.g., once a day or every other day).

Taking time off is about resetting your mind, body, and energy and stepping away from your desk. Give yourself the space to do that.

3. Plan for Your Return Before You Leave

Most people focus so much on getting ready for time off that they forget about the transition back to work. Returning after a break shouldn’t feel like stepping into chaos. If you prepare in advance, you can ease back in without feeling overwhelmed.

❑ Review key projects and schedules before you leave so there are no surprises upon your return.

❑ Reach out to key team members with major projects to address any concerns before your time off.

❑ Make a simple “post-vacation to-do list” for your team to tackle before you get back.

❑ Plan a light first day back—schedule small, manageable tasks in the morning before jumping into bigger meetings or deadlines.

❑ Ask for schedule updates within the first 48 hours to allow yourself time to regroup.

❑ Plan a morning team huddle your first day back—use it to review key updates, celebrate accomplishments, and reset as a team.

Taking time off should feel refreshing, not stressful. With a little preparation, you can actually enjoy your break and come back feeling recharged and ready to go.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve This

If you’ve been hesitating to take time off, consider this your reminder: rest is productive. It’s not something you should feel guilty about or postpone indefinitely. Taking a break allows you to return with more energy, creativity, and clarity.

So, start planning your time off now. Set your boundaries and expectations for others. Make the checklist. Hand things off confidently. And when the time comes, actually enjoy your break. You’ve earned it.