Summer leave:
Time to unplug and recharge

It is the time of summer vacation. While many ouf us have already used their summer time off, some are still on their annual leave, and some are preparing to take it. As we take an extended break from our daily routine, we mostly seek to relax. Yet, with the vacation time being limited, it is good to give some thought to how to make the most out of it.

Recharge and reconnect with your inner self

Think ahead on how you will spend your time away from work, so you can recharge and reconnect with your inner self. It can be a good idea to set basic goals and priorities for those precious days of the year. It can be spending quality time with friends and family, getting some time in nature, or fixing up or renovating your apartment that you've been putting off for a long time.

Of course, this should not be another to-do list or a source of stress. Rather, being clear with priorities can help us arrange our time around them.

You may be surprised by the fact that leisure activities are less effective than any form of hands-on activities during the break.

Although you may want to spend most of your time off doing nothing, the fact of the matter is that sports or any kind of physical activity can do wonders for our inner balance. Whatever you choose to do, it is important to stay flexible and enjoy things that matter to you most.

Embrace the opportunity to relax

Many people will choose screen-free activities, such as hanging out with friends, pursuing hobbies, hiking and the like. Whatever it is that truly gives us value - be it gardening or listening to music - is probably better than mindless scrolling through endless social media feeds.

It is the time when we can truly enjoy the real world around us without distractions. To start with, simply turn off notifications. Instead of rushing to look at every new post, story or message, set a time when you will check on these things, and make the rest of your vacation work towards your wellbeing and inner balance.

Did you know that you need no more or less than 120 minutes a week in nature to feel healthy and have a sense of mental well-being? Vacation time is perhaps an opportunity to do your 120 minutes if you haven't already.

And perhaps most importantly - adjust your time off to yourself. Maybe you want to spend more time in nature, or have screen-free evenings so you can sleep better. If you know these things will help you recharge, make time and room for them.

One thing is certain: time off from work is important for our overall wellbeing and productivity. And we should be aware of the benefits of a quality vacation.

It is also a fact that time off makes us happier. A good rest during the annual leave usually means we return to work full of energy and ready for new challenges.