Breaks
When does one know if taking some time off for vacation is the best way to manage/decrease stress?
Chris,
It is always a good practice to step back sometimes. When you do this it is good to recharge yourself. There are many ways an individual can do this.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I think that everyone needs some time away. Wether a long weekend or a week off. it is good to let your mind and body recharge. Breaking the normal routines in your life can be a big stress relief.
Brandy,
Our body and mind is a wonderful gift. Sometimes we don't listen to our body when we should.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I totally agree that when work becomes mandatory,it is no longer fun. It is nice to be able to take the weekend to regroup and return to work feeling refreshed and eager to work.Each person should listen to their internal clock that tells them when it's time for a vacation.
Tim,
It is best to have an outlet and plan to deal with daily stress. Exercise, mental relaxation, and spiritual rejuvenation is important.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Well-timed vacation time is a great way of balancing the work/life balance if things have been weighted heavily on the work side for any period of time. I have had time away for work and it can sometimes create stress depending on what is going on at work. Timing is key!
caleb,
I once worked who I thought was a great leader. He felt strongly that when a good employee needs time off they need to take it. There performance indicates to the manager that they need a break now and then. These often are the people who don't take a break when they should.
Dr. Gary Carlson
I think that taking times off or even a 3 day weekend here and there is a great way for me to refuel my tanks and get rid of at least work related stress.
Jennifer,
Sometime a person needs a few days at home with their own agenda. You need to get away from it all
Dr. Gary Carlson
most people need a vacation after a family vacation.
Sundeep,
What seems like a practice that is not good in times of stress and cut backs might be the answer to bettr performance from your people. Breaks, walks, townhall meetings etc. may be what they need.
Dr. Gary Carlson
yes I agree, the enjoyable part of it fades quickly. Ive been on this job for over 2 years, salaries frozen and i took a pay cut to be here. hence, I am in financial dire straights so I cant afford a vacation. This course was very helpful in realizing that I need not bear the stress of the upper management that simply tells me that they are here long long hours because we are salary and often skip lunch for a 5 min walk instead. I had to reject that idea but the harder thing was not doing the same thing since my dept has had no help. I have to end the negativity and allow breaks for it has trickled down into personal lives as well.
Katessa,
Management needs to recognize burnout in employees. The work place needs to plan for activities which removes the employee from the work norm.
Dr. Gary Carlson
When work becomes a mandatory thing and is no longer enjoyable, I believe that is the sign to take time off. Ive been on my job 4 months now and I haven't reached that point of needing to be away. I use my weekends to regroup and focus for the upcoming week. However, I have several co-workers that seem to always be stressed out. (Personal lives, work, students, etc.) I look at them and hope that I never become that high strung.
when you got the time to take and during this time off some one else will pick up what needs to get done for you while you are on vacation...... enjoy
Mark,
I once was lucky enough to have boss that said when you need the time off you should take it. His trust led me to only take off when necessary and I did not abuse it. You know when it is time.
Dr. Gary Carlson
