Summer is very much here, and the world is starting to open back up. Things from going to a restaurant to flying on a plane are becoming safer and many of us are wanting to finally get out of our homes and go anywhere! Though sometimes there is guilt and hesitation with taking a vacation. It may be because of our people pleasing desires, not wanting to make a fuss or inconvenience our coworkers. It may be because our culture has glorified the hustle and the more hours you work and the more sleep you lose is worn like a badge of honor.
I’m not saying you must go out and spend a bunch of money on a vacation and get stressed out by something you can’t afford or don’t have time for. A vacation can be a staycation, a weekend or a day, a self-care-cation. We can’t pour from an empty cup and sometimes we all need a break. We need to step away and re-charge.
What rules are you giving yourself about asking for time off work? Are they rational?
How much PTO have you neglected in the past? How has that worked out for you?
What is the culture in your workplace about taking your PTO? Is it respectful of your boundaries and time?
What would it be like to take a vacation? Where would you go? What would you do? What do you need?
What’s stopping you from taking a vacation? What can be done about the cause(s)?
It’s okay to take a vacation. Don’t get taken advantage of. If your job offers that PTO, take advantage of it. Use it. Embrace it. It’s okay to have fun. It’s okay to relax. It’s okay to take care of yourself.
