The Value of Vacation Time for Coaches

In your fast-paced world filled with demanding schedules and ever-increasing responsibilities, taking a vacation might seem like a luxury.

For you and me, vacations are not just a frivolous indulgence; they are a crucial element of our overall well-being as coaches.

After all, we coaches show up for other people all day long. Even if you coach remotely in your jammies, deep conversations are demanding. Add all the other tasks you complete in a day, and you can be burned out quickly. Trust me, I’ve been there.

For short-term relief, you can turn to some of the tools I’ve used like Living From A Place of Surrender, a wonderful video series by Michael A. Singer. You’ll find this and more resources for balance here.

For a longer-term solution to overwhelm a holiday is the ticket. Vacations are critical to your physical, mental, and emotional health, whether it’s a short weekend getaway or an extended trip to a dream destination (lucky you).

Here a just a few of the benefits of real time off:

Chill Time: One of the big reasons vacations are essential is their ability to provide you with rest and rejuvenation. Even if you don’t think you need it, stepping away from your daily routines and work obligations allows you to disconnect from life’s constant stressors and pressures. Vacations allow you to replenish your energy levels, reduce anxiety, and combat burnout. By taking a break, you allow yourself to relax, unwind, and recharge, ultimately boosting your productivity and overall happiness when you return. Once you are back in the saddle, check out this Balance and Self Care Toolkit for ideas on prioritizing your chill time all year.

Better Health: Time off benefits your mental well-being, and it has a positive impact on your physical health too. If you are like me, you’ll be more likely to make time for swimming, hiking, or taking long walks in nature when you are on vacation. Beach volleyball, anyone? This uptick in physical activity promotes cardiovascular health, strengthens your muscles and bones, and improves your immune system. Vacationing can reduce stress and help you sleep. Hammocks don’t lie!

Increased Clarity: Taking an extended break from your everyday routines and surroundings can improve your mental clarity and creativity. Exploring new environments, cultures, and experiences opens my mind to fresh perspectives and new ideas. This break from my regular responsibilities and obligations allows my brain to reset, rejuvenate, and return to work with renewed focus, improved problem-solving skills, and a greater sense of creativity.

More Connected Relationships: Vacations provide an ideal setting for strengthening relationships with loved ones, friends, and ourselves. By spending quality time together away from the distractions of everyday life, you can reconnect on a deeper level, foster stronger bonds and create lasting memories. Vacations allow us to prioritize our relationships, engage in meaningful conversations, and create shared experiences that help build trust and understanding. Toasted marshmallows, anyone?

What If You Can’t Travel?

While travelling to exotic destinations may not always be feasible, taking a staycation can be a fantastic alternative to unwind and recharge. Creating a staycation plan and exploring your local area allows you to discover hidden gems and experience the joys of being a tourist in your backyard. Additionally, make it a priority to unplug from work and embrace relaxation during your staycation.

Whether you indulge in leisure activities, try new hobbies, or take time to rest, remember that the goal is to prioritize self-care and rejuvenation. So, next time you have vacation time but can’t travel far, consider a staycation as an opportunity to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate.

A Note on Digital Disconnection

We coaches operate in a hyperconnected world just like everyone else these days. Our digital devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. Constantly being plugged in can take a toll on our mental well-being. Taking a break from digital devices while on vacation is incredibly valuable. By disconnecting from technology, you free yourself from the constant distractions, notifications, and information overload that can contribute to stress and anxiety.

Instead of scrolling through social media or checking work emails, you can immerse yourself in the present moment, fully savoring the experiences and connections around you. A digital disconnect allows your mind to relax, promotes mental clarity, and lets you appreciate the beauty of your surroundings without the constant pull of screens.

The Harvard Review podcast episode, How to Use All Your Vacation and Really Unplug, makes the case.

Why not try consciously to detach yourself from technology and embrace the freedom and serenity of unplugging during your well-deserved vacation!

That’s what I’ll be doing! I hope you will join me!

If you are looking for something fun to pass the time, check out my puzzle book and card set, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started! Once you print the materials, there’s no technology required!