38 Summers Left: The Power of Truly Unplugging

By the time you are reading this, I will be on vacation! After all, I get to have 38 more summers (after my stroke)!

Breaking a 14-Year Habit

Prior to December 2023 that didn’t signify a meaningful difference from day-to-day life. I brought my work phone and laptop to every vacation I took for over 14 years (including my honeymoon).

Leaving the Work Laptop Behind

Since December 2023 I made a commitment to myself and my family to no longer work on vacation. I don’t even bring my work laptop or phone with me- to avoid the temptation of checking. It has forced me to ensure I truly have a backup at work, which is important for vacation or strokes.

Making the Math Count

There are about 260 working days a year in the United States after weekends are removed. The last few companies I have worked for close for about 10 days a year for various holidays (Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, etc.). I use all 15 of my vacation days a year now and I don’t work on any of those days. I have 235 other days to work! I find that when I return from a truly unplugged vacation, I am more energized and creative, and the research backs that up.

The Science of Taking Real Time Off

According to Indeed, when you spend time off work you can:

• Return refreshed and energized which improves your work output

• Ease your mind and give you time to release work-related stress

• The break gives you a renewed mindset to boost your creativity and innovative thinking

• By giving your brain time to rest, it can improve your energy and attention span.

Focusing on What Matters Most

Most importantly though I focus that time on my family and making memories with them. Instead of scheduling around work calls or skipping day trips in order to complete pre-trial motions (Miami 2012).

So, take the time off and enjoy it! If you are in your mid-40s, you may only have another 40 or so summers left!