For senior leaders accustomed to juggling high-stakes responsibilities and demanding workloads, the concept of vacation presents a tantalizing promise of rest and rejuvenation. Yet, for various reasons, traveling for an extended vacation may not be in the cards in the short term, leaving a frazzled leader wondering how to attain genuine relaxation without a change of scenery.
The pressures of leadership don’t let up when a long vacation is off the table, so it’s essential for leaders to find alternative ways to recharge. Below, 18 Forbes Coaches Council members share practical strategies to help “stranded” leaders cultivate mental, emotional and physical renewal.
1. Set One Small Boundary At A Time
There is a difference between someone who isn’t able to travel and someone who chooses not to. Many leaders choose not to, and for justifiable reasons. If you want to be able to unplug, it’s a muscle you have to build by setting one small boundary at a time. Start slow—perhaps consider putting up an out-of-office message for a doctor’s appointment—and challenge yourself not to look at email until you’re back at your desk. – Stacy Campesi, OKA (Otto Kroeger Associates)
2. Engage In A New Learning Experience
Engaging in new learning experiences can stimulate your mind and give you a refreshing break from routine work pressures. This could mean learning a new language, developing a new skill or something else. The process itself is rejuvenating. It helps cultivate a growth mindset and provides a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it can diversify your thinking, which can benefit you in your professional life as well. – Andre Shojaie, HumanLearn
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3. Turn Off Notifications
The key is really disconnecting from work, not necessarily being able to travel. Turn off your phone notifications: If it isn’t buzzing or pinging, you can easily ignore it. Mute emails and messaging groups while you are out of the office. If something is really urgent, they will call you. Empower your team, and they probably won’t—especially if you respect others’ boundaries and time away from work. – Anita O’Connor-Roberts, AOC Consulting
4. Prioritize Self-Care Activities
If you are a senior leader unable to take a vacation to relax and rejuvenate, there are other options you can explore, such as prioritizing self-care activities including exercise, meditation, reading or pursuing creative hobbies based on your interests. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being can help you recharge and stay productive. – Adaora Ayoade, EZ37 Solutions
5. Enjoy Where You Are
Get frustrated. Allow anxiety to build. Feel your justified resentment. Blame others. Blame yourself. Now, assess how you feel. If you like it, continue. Pour more frustration on. But if you don’t like it, okay! Change your frame of mind. Enjoy where you are. Now, what would you like to do to continue your time off? It’s simple. Choose first how you want to be, then what you want to do. – Jay Steven Levin, WinThinking
6. Create A Routine For Yourself
Take some time to create a routine for yourself. Doing tasks like meditating, exercising, reading and writing can help you relax and rejuvenate, even if you don’t have the opportunity to travel. Also, find ways to make small changes in your everyday life: Eliminate distractions, take regular breaks from work and find activities that bring joy. – Peter Boolkah, The Transition Guy
7. Consider A Staycation
Consider a staycation and unplugging from work. Explore new hobbies, catch up on personal projects and spend time with loved ones. Treat yourself to a spa day or a massage to relieve stress. Disconnect from technology and social media to fully recharge. – Carrie Anne Yu, Conscious Ignite
8. Focus On Family And Loved Ones
Disconnect digitally for a few days with family and loved ones. Leaders do not always realize the impact of constant connection in the internet age, but checking email or taking phone calls outside of work hours can contribute to stress and burnout. A few days away from workplace technology can help leaders return relaxed and ready for work. – Michael Timmes, Insperity
9. Book A Day At A Hotel Or Airbnb
Schedule regular staycation time where you book a hotel, Airbnb or other lodging for a day and/or a night. That removes you from your daily life to both relax and reflect. I find scheduling monthly time to reflect on the previous month and create a vision for the next month really helps me feel more connected to and clear on my vision and purpose. – Doug Holt, The Powerful Man
10. Establish Firm Work-Life Boundaries
During your designated relaxation time, strictly avoid work-related communication and tasks. Lock down that email-checking habit and give yourself full permission to detach from work. Redirect your focus toward activities that genuinely promote relaxation. Remember, the world won’t crumble if you’re not constantly plugged into work. – Morgan Massie, Leadership and Training Concierge
11. Consider New Places To Visit In The Area
Here’s a great question to ask when recharging batteries at home and while working: “If I were moving in the fall, which places would I want to visit, and what would I want to do around here in my last few weeks?” This way, you can create a great list of new and favorite places to visit and adventures to have in and around your hometown and region, turning days and hours off into a mini-staycation. – Micha Goebig, Go Big Coaching & Communications, LLC
12. Explore Your Region’s History And Culture
I cannot believe how many opportunities there are to learn and enjoy within 20 miles of where I live. Most people can seek out a place, historical or not, that seems like a nearby oasis. Within a close distance of where I live, both Civil War and Revolutionary War events played out. In our town, history was made during the Civil Rights Movement. Pop culture, American history and much more surround us. Immerse yourself. – John M. O’Connor, Career Pro Inc.
13. Take A Break From Technology
At the very least, take a technology break. Make sure you disconnect from work entirely. Let your team know the plan and ask that they only contact you in a severe emergency. Someone can answer your emails and calls for you. If you can, don’t even turn your phone on and be wholly present for yourself and those around you. This will allow you to be mindful and recharge your batteries. Disconnect. – Alex Draper, DX Learning Solutions
14. Connect With Loved Ones And Nature
My recipe is disconnection from technology and connection with loved ones and nature. Take time to call and meet with friends and/or family, giving them 100% of your attention, laughing and listening. Something as simple as a walk in a park is an excellent way to connect with nature: Slow down, look around and smell the flowers. If possible, go for a hike and make it about nature, not performance. Breathe. – Silvia Vernaschi, The Mind Bliss Coaching
15. Trust Your Team To Make Decisions
Trust your team and empower them to make decisions in your absence. If you do this, you’re more likely to actually unplug, unwind and recharge while on vacation. Your team members will also appreciate it, since you’ll likely be at your best upon return, too. – Carol Geffner, CB Vision LLC
16. Identify What You Need To Feel Replenished
First of all, identify what it is you need in order to feel replenished—physically, emotionally and spiritually. What nourishes you? It might be taking a walk for 30 minutes each day in nature or sitting quietly and reading a book undisturbed. Whatever it is, decide what it is you need, for how long and how often, and then give yourself the gift of fulfilling those needs. – Cath Daley, Cath Daley Ltd.
17. Adopt Healthy Habits
Adopting good habits focused on your well-being can serve you well all year round. Exercise, walk and allow your mind to wander; take a few minutes and really focus on your breathing to bring you back to the present. Rest, turn off the tech, remove distractions and go to bed early. Eat good food and stay hydrated. Revisit your purpose: What gets you up every morning? Is your “why” still your “why”? – Ricky Muddimer, Thinking Focus
18. Distance Yourself From The City Rush And Office Triggers
A sense of meaning is always the best way to change a leader’s point of view. Creativity helps improve the world, and many breakthrough ideas appear when people change their surroundings for a while. Vacationing in the woods or in the mountains—offline, away from the city rush and all office triggers—can help you find distance and serenity. When leaders refill their batteries through such breaks, they can often produce new innovations. – Dominik Szot, MIA
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