Decompression
What does it mean to decompress? This is different for everyone, but we seem to have firm opinions on what is and what is not decompressing. For instance, I’m (Apree Clicque) on vacation right now, but I’m spending my first hour or so each morning doing work. I’ve gotten all kinds of pushback, such as “you’re on vacation, why are you working?” Here’s the thing - this is making me happier. These are the pieces that I don’t have time to do during my normal week, such as taking a social optimization class and working on our website. I am not the person who needs to drop work to stop burnout. However, I do know the value of limits and boundaries. For instance, I am an early riser so I know I can wake up before the rest of the house and work for an hour without interrupting any of the family connection that vacation brings. I am not going to stop engaging with people or enjoying a moment to answer an email, but, if I’m standing (alone) in a long line I may. This does not impact my ability to decompress or feel rested.
On the flip side, it’s totally okay to 100% disconnect from work to decompress. The point is there is not a one size fits all for how to manage your levels of burnout and stress. What I want to emphasize though is not to lie to yourself. If you need to cut off from work for however long, just do it. Listen to the people around you to ensure you are not doing something that is harmful. Like I said, I am working when I am alone or before the others wake up so it is not impacting anybody I am traveling with. If you are checking emails throughout the day or stopping to take calls - are you really engaging with the people you are with or even with the environment you are escaping to? That’s the key. We need time away from our day to day to reset and stay at a healthy baseline. Know your limits and make healthy choices. Be sure to communicate this with others. I let my business peeps know I would have some access to my laptop, and my family knows I plan to work in the mornings. This means I’m also in charge of making the coffee for everyone.
If you don’t know what decompression looks like for you, ask your therapist, family or friends for feedback. Think back on times in your life when you have felt most rested and journal about what you were doing at the time. Duplicate. Test out new things - wake up early, sleep late, take a nap. Eat more fruit. Read a book. Go for a walk. Vacations are great for testing out loads of coping skills to find out what helps you to feel more at peace and truly decompressed. For me, I already feel better having written a blog post and worked on the website - all before I have finished my cup of coffee - and I’ll be headed to a museum within the hour.