Disconnecting While OOO: Reframe Rest as Being Responsible
The holidays are often described as a time for family, rest, and joy, but for many high-achieving professionals, they bring a different challenge: guilt. Disconnecting from work can feel impossible, especially when stress, job insecurity, or workplace culture pressures you to remain available—even while on vacation. This constant connectivity, however, undermines recovery and perpetuates burnout, leaving you starting the new year even more depleted.
As a health and wellness coach specializing in stress management and burnout recovery, I want to help you redefine your approach to the holiday break. Disconnecting from work isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Here’s why prioritizing your deep health matters and how to prepare for a restorative holiday season.
Understanding Deep Health and Why Disconnecting Matters
Deep health refers to the interconnected dimensions of well-being: physical, mental, emotional, social, and even existential health. When one area suffers—such as mental health from workplace stress—it ripples into the others. Persistent connectivity to work disrupts this balance by preventing rest, deepening emotional exhaustion, and straining personal relationships.
The last few years have amplified these challenges. Economic pressures, job insecurity, and stagnant wages have made employees feel as though they must “prove” their worth, even during personal time. But consider this: your effectiveness at work is tied directly to how well you recover. Disconnecting isn’t about neglecting duties; it’s about ensuring you can perform at your best when you return.
Preparing for a True Break: Steps to Take Before You Go OOO
The guilt of stepping away often stems from unfinished tasks or fear of burdening others. By planning ahead, you can ease these concerns and set yourself up for a guilt-free holiday.
1. Organize and Prioritize Your Workload
Start Early: Begin identifying tasks that need completion at least two weeks before your break.
Prioritize What Matters: Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to sort tasks into urgent, important, and non-urgent categories. Delegate or defer anything non-essential.
Set Realistic Expectations: Communicate with your team about what can reasonably be accomplished before you leave.
2. Create a Detailed Handoff Plan
If your role involves critical responsibilities, create a document that outlines:
Key tasks and deadlines.
Points of contact for any emergencies.
Instructions or updates on ongoing projects.
A thorough plan ensures continuity without requiring your involvement and demonstrates your commitment to the team’s success, even while you’re away.
3. Set Boundaries Early
Boundaries start with clear communication. Have conversations with managers and coworkers about your plans to fully disconnect. Practice saying:
“I’ll be on PTO from [date] to [date]. During this time, I won’t be checking emails or available for work-related matters. I’ve ensured everything is in place for a smooth transition while I’m out.”
The earlier you communicate, the easier it is for others to adjust.
Crucial Conversations: Setting Office Boundaries with Confidence
For those new to boundary-setting, these conversations can feel daunting. The fear of being perceived as lazy or uncommitted is real, especially in workplaces with toxic cultures or unspoken expectations of overwork.
1. Acknowledge Your Discomfort
It’s okay to feel nervous. Remind yourself that boundaries aren’t about avoiding work—they’re about protecting your ability to contribute effectively in the long term.
2. Frame the Conversation Around Shared Goals
When speaking with your manager, emphasize how your time off supports both your well-being and your ability to perform well. For example:
“I’ve been reflecting on how to show up as my best self at work, and I know taking this time to rest is crucial. I’ve created a plan to ensure everything runs smoothly while I’m away.”
3. Be Firm but Empathetic
You can be compassionate toward your team’s needs without sacrificing your own. For instance:
“I understand this is a busy time, and I want to make sure I’m doing my part. Here’s what I’ve done to prepare for my absence, and I’ll be fully back on [date] to pick things up.”
Approaching these conversations with clarity and confidence helps normalize boundary-setting in your workplace.
Using the Holiday Break for Recovery and Renewal
Once you’ve successfully disconnected, it’s time to focus on deep health. Recovery is about more than just taking time off—it’s about using that time intentionally.
1. Prioritize Rest
Physical rest is foundational for recovery. This includes:
Sleep: Aim for consistent, high-quality sleep by maintaining a regular bedtime and limiting late-night screen use.
Low-Stress Movement: Gentle activities like yoga, walking, or stretching can alleviate tension without feeling like a chore.
2. Nourish Your Emotional and Mental Health
Mindfulness Practices: Spend a few minutes each day reading, reflecting, or journaling to process your emotions and decompress.
Disconnect Digitally: Avoid checking work emails or social media feeds that might trigger stress. Replace these habits with reading, creative hobbies, or connecting with loved ones.
3. Reconnect with Your Purpose
Use this downtime to reflect on what truly matters to you. Are you living in alignment with your values? Are your current work and life circumstances serving your long-term goals? This reflection can guide your intentions for the new year.
For the Guilty Overachiever: Reframing Rest as Responsibility
If guilt creeps in, remember this:
Rest is not laziness; it’s preparation.
Disconnecting doesn’t make you a bad employee; it makes you a sustainable one.
Burnout isn’t just an individual issue; it’s an organizational one. By modeling healthy boundaries and prioritizing your well-being, you set a standard that benefits not only yourself but also your workplace culture.
The New Year Starts Now
The holidays are your opportunity to reset—not just for a few weeks, but for the year ahead. By disconnecting from work and focusing on deep health, you’re making an investment in your long-term well-being and success.
If you’re unsure how to start, or if you need personalized support to create a recovery plan, reach out. Together, we can turn this holiday season into the beginning of a healthier, more sustainable future.
Taking a break is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And you deserve it.
Article References
The sources cited in the article:
Forbes. "Five Tips to Help You Truly Disconnect While On Vacation." Forbes - Truly Disconnect While On Vacation
SHRM. “Want Employees to Unplug During PTO? Check Out These Strategies.” SHRM - Unplug During PTO
Forbes. "How To Disconnect From Work Without Feeling Guilty." Forbes - How To Disconnect From Workout
Slack. "Workers are Struggling to Disconnect During the Holidays.” Slack - Workers are Struggling to Disconnect
HR Morning. “Over Half of Workers Admit to Working on Vacation.” HR Morning - Working on Vacation
TIME. “How to Actually Unplug from Work this Holiday Season.” TIME - Unplug from Work this Holiday Season
