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You know you shouldnt respond (cmon, youre out of the office for a reason, right?)
Justin Paget/Getty Images
and yet you cant help yourself from peeking (maybe its important!).
Plus the pandemic madeWFH a new norm, transforming many peoples personal spaces from safe havens to remote offices.
Pause your notifications.
If you use Microsoft Teams, click options to suspend any incoming DMs or calls.
Social media and communication apps are designed to be addictive so that youre constantly clicking and checking them.
Thats why its really important to set boundaries to confirm youre not always being interrupted, Dr. Ballard adds.
Temporarily delete any work-related apps, including your email.
The great thing about technology?
you’re able to access so much of your job on your portable little smartphone.
you’re able to access so much of your job on your portable little smartphone.
If this sounds like you, Dr. Ballard suggests temporarily deleting any work-related apps altogether.
Leave your work laptop or phone behind when you could.
We know this isnt possible for everyone, especially if your company phone is also your everyday cell.
Most of us cant ditch technology altogether, though.
Turn on do not disturb mode.
Going cold turkey may make you more paranoid and worried.
Its not the end of the world to check in occasionally throughout your vacation.
(And seriously consider using a timer if you need the self-control.)
Schedule an automatic out-of-office reply.
All of us office workers understand theslight panicthat takes over when someone doesnt immediately respond to an urgent message.
I better send something now so theyre not waiting for me!
Some folks just need an answer fromsomeonenot necessarily you.
Hold yourself accountable.
The most important step is reflecting onwhyyoure taking a vacation, Dr. Ballard says.
Did you request a week off because your job was taking away uninterrupted, quality time with your family?
Is your tropical trip an opportunity to relax and ease some of your work-related stress?
Enjoy yourcamping excursioninstead of fixating on that upcoming meeting next week.
Be spontaneous and partake in a slew of touristy activities without mentally dragging your boss along.
After all, its called timeofffor a reason.
