Turn2Me, a national mental health charity, has published a compelling list of four reasons why it’s essential to take a break and activate your out-of-office email notifications during holidays. The charity emphasised that taking a break can significantly reduce stress levels, improve productivity, enhance relationships, and prevent burnout.
Fiona O’Malley, the CEO of Turn2Me, stated:
“It’s really important to fully switch off when you’re on annual leave. If you’re still answering emails or phone calls, you’re still in work mode and not really unwinding. Try to resist the urge to check emails, and keep your out of office on, to let colleagues know that you’re unavailable until you come back. If you don’t do this, your time off just becomes a working holiday, which, for most people, defeats the purpose of going on holiday.”
Turn2Me’s four reasons why it’s crucial to truly switch off during holidays include:
1. It Reduces Stress: Taking a break allows our bodies and minds to recover from work-related stress, reducing cortisol levels and promoting overall well-being, leading to a healthier and more balanced life.
2. It Improves Productivity: Time off rejuvenates our mental and physical energy, enhancing focus and efficiency when we return to work. This rest period can lead to increased creativity and better problem-solving abilities.
3. It Enhances Relationships: Annual leave provides quality time to spend with family and friends, strengthening personal connections and social support networks, which are crucial for emotional health and resilience.
4. It Prevents Burnout: Regular breaks help prevent burnout by allowing us to disconnect from work pressures, recharge, and return with a renewed sense of motivation and enthusiasm for our tasks.
Turn2Me offers up to six free counselling sessions to adults living in Ireland and free, unlimited support groups on anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship issues, all available on Turn2Me.ie.
About Turn2Me: Turn2Me was founded in 2009, stemming from the personal experiences of Oisin and Diarmuid Scollard, who lost their brother, Cormac, to suicide in 2003. In 2013, Turn2Me gained the support of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention to deliver counselling online. In 2019, Turn2Me joined forces with ReachOut Ireland to create a space for young people to find information to support their mental health online. As of September 2021, Turn2Me offers adult counselling and peer support services to adults living in Ireland. It helps around 10,000 adults living in Ireland every year with their anxiety, grief, and depression. Turn2Me has helped over 130,000 people living in Ireland since 2009.