Switching off over the Holidays sounds simple in theory. Log out, close the laptop, put your out of office on, done. But for most people in fast paced, people facing roles, it rarely works like that. The brain doesn’t just follow the calendar. So here’s a realistic guide to switching off properly, without overcomplicating it.

Start before you log off

Switching off doesn’t happen on your last day. It starts in the lead up.

If you spend your final week rushing to close everything, you’ll carry that stress into your break. Instead, try to slow down and properly wrap things up. Close loops where you can, hand things over clearly, and be honest about what can wait until January. A little preparation goes a long way in helping your brain actually let go.

Write an out of office you can stand behind

Your out of office message sets the tone.

Keep it simple, clear, and confident. You don’t need to apologise or over explain. If you want to be offline, let it reflect that. Avoid promising “limited access” if you know that will just pull you back into work mode. You’re not being rude, you’re setting a boundary.

Create distance from notifications

Even when you’re on leave, the pings and pop ups keep work in the background of your brain.

Small changes help. Turn off notifications. Remove work apps from your home screen. Or delete them entirely if you’re feeling bold. You don’t have to disappear completely, just make it easier for your mind to actually switch context.

Let rest look like actual rest

Not everyone wants a perfectly planned holiday. And not everyone needs one.

Rest doesn’t have to be productive. It can be slow mornings, long lunches, a book you’ve already read three times, or absolutely nothing. The goal is not to “make the most” of your time off. It’s to actually enjoy it.

Expect some work guilt and ignore it

It’s normal to feel a little guilty slowing down, especially if the year has been big. But healthy work cultures are built on people who know how to step away properly. Let the inbox wait. Let things pause. Future you will be better for it.

Switching off is like a muscle

You don’t wake up perfectly rested after one good break. It takes practice.

Each time you switch off a little more intentionally, it gets easier. And when you come back, you’ll notice the difference in your energy, your focus, and how you show up at work.

You don’t need to do it perfectly.
Just better than last year.