When you’re reading Reman U, I’m usually typing away and reviewing your clicks, opens, and comments in real-time.
But, that’s not the case today. Yes, I’m probably still thinking of you and how you’re connecting with these very words (I can’t help but love our readers…that’s not weird, is it?), but instead of sitting behind my laptop, I’m sitting with my toes in the sand.
You guessed it – I’m on vacation. As exciting as it is to trade in winter weather, it’s been daunting to think about stepping away from work, let alone in the middle of the week.
I’m planning to unplug, but it won’t be easy. Here’s how I’m making it happen – and most importantly, how you can too:

1. Build a trusted team. Whether or not you’re the one usually steering the ship, the team you leave behind are the ones who will step in – and step up – in your absence. Make sure you have the coverage you need.
2. Get your ducks in a row. Planning what needs to happen when – and when you’re away – takes work. The earlier you get quacking, the better.
3. Leave a clean desk and an empty to-do list. Anything you leave unfinished will haunt you…and so will a desk covered in papers when you return. A few late nights beforehand are a small price to pay.
4. Have faith in your people. Having a strong team is only step 1. Give your full support of any decisions they make without you and trust that they’ll act in your company and customers’ best interests.
5. Turn on an out of office reply and set up a vacation voicemail greeting. Your customers and peers alike won’t know where you are and when you’ll be back if you don’t tell them. Set the proper expectation and use it as an opportunity to show a little personality.
6. Don’t check your email. Seriously. You’re not really unplugged if you’re hawking your inbox. If you MUST check in, limit yourself to once a day.

Work, life, and all their subsequent deadlines can too easily make you feel like you just can’t take time off. The moment you have this thought is likely when you need a vacation the most. Dare to unplug. Dare to see what impact a little refresh will have on doing your best work.
photo credit: © kintarapong – stock.adobe.com

This week, the Woman Behind the Curtain is taking a break – and sharing 6 tips for how you can do the same a bit easier. Have a tactic that works for you? Comment below!