| A rest is as good as a change |
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As it's the time of year when many people take their holidays (and in case you need convincing!), here are some of the benefits of taking a regular break from work. Why do employers offer holidays as part of their contractual terms? The obvious answer is that they have to - it's a legal requirement. But a less apparent answer is because they recognise the importance and value of time away from the workplace. That old adage - all work and no play makes Jill a dull girl - is true. Many people find it difficult to switch off on holiday. And worse, many people still do not take all the holidays they are entitled to. Are they the indispensable people holding the fort whilst others go off and enjoy themselves in the sunshine? Probably not - just those who haven't yet seen the many benefits of relaxing, having fun or just plain doing something different. So what are the benefits?
The cliché - a change is as good as a rest - makes me think about our resistance to change. If we recognise that change is good, what stops us from seeing it in that positive light? Probably if change is imposed rather than something we choose to do ourselves. Which is why holidays and time away from regular activities often prompts us to make those big changes in our lives like a new house, a new job or a new partner. What will it be for you? Will you be sitting at the same desk doing the same thing this time next year? Imagine you are. How will you feel about that? Whether you decide to make changes on return from this year's break, make sure they fit with who you are and what matters to you. And most importantly, to get maximum benefit from your holiday, use it as an opportunity to take a break from technology until you get back to work! |
