It is not enough to be able to switch off from work, the rule should nbe to create regular work free periods when you do switch off completely. If you are unable to organize your working life so that every weekend there is one day when you simply forget about work, something is wrong. It suggests a marked workaholic trait. Your goal should be that as a routine you do not visit the office at the weekend, the only exception would be when there is a particular deadline to be achieved or a one-off task to be completed urgently. Mobile ‘phones are intrusive. If you find that you are receiving incoming calls regularly on Saturdays and Sundays, there is a simple remedy. Switch your work mobile ‘phone onto voicemail, and buy another mobile for personal calls.
Your non-working time should be at least as enjoyable and fulfilling as work. It is barren and boring simply to take time off from work and to do very little. Those people who either boast or admit that they wouldn’t know how to fill their time on retirement, need to start remedying the problem right away. Decades ago, retirement happened predictably between the ages of 60 and 65. Nowadays, enforced retirement can happen when people are in their 40s and 50s, because they simply may not be able to get another job which they are prepared to accept .
Leisure time should be enjoyable, active, social and varied.
Active is not meant to suggest undue physical exercise, but does reject spending long periods watching television or casually surfing the internet. Social means spending time with family and friends, and enjoying the company of other people by playing sport, a shared hobby or special interest groups. If your work is achievement orientated and competitive, leisure activities may well play down competitive pastimes.
Holidays are an essential part of personal health management. Your full holiday entitlement should be planned and taken. Spending holidays at home, doing very little, may save money but it is a waste. Regard the cost of holidays as an investment. If you find it takes several days to wind down on holiday, that is a clear signal you are leading an unduly stressful life. Take two or three weeks continuous holiday so that you do manage to switch off and relax.
A holiday should provide a complete break from work and a change of routine. Whether it is a beach holiday or strenuous mountain climbing, you should return physically and mentally rejuvenated.
