Taking PTO (paid/planned time off) sounds like a great plan during Covid-19. Whether it is to unwind and rejuvenate to prevent burnout or spend more time with the family, or just go for a road trip, it must be fulfilling. Learning new hobbies is a great way to unwind, while engaging in family activities is a great way to bond with the family. And if you plan to spend your on the road, getting a 6.0 powerstroke oil cooler for your engine is an excellent way to prep for the road trip. Whatever your plans are, here are some tips to make the most of your PTO during Covid-19.
Consider the length of your PTO
Before you proceed on your PTO, be sure to consider the adequate amount of time that you will need. First, factor in the number of vacation days you have accrued, then consider that you may be doing yourself a disservice by not using your PTO. Be sure you have enough days for the PTO that will suffice for the reasons you are taking time off. If you want to lengthen your PTO, consider attaching it to a weekend. That should provide you with ample time to rejuvenate yourself.
Have a backup for work situations
For most people, the major reason for not having PTO’s is that they are worried that they will have to come back to deal with a pile of work on their desk. Others also are of the view that their superiors will see it as not being dedicated to their jobs, especially in the current climate of economic unpredictability. But all these can be easily dealt with if you have a backup for such work situations.
The first thing to do is to make a projection of the work that needs to be done in your absence and figure out if there is a way to tackle it bit by bit before your PTO. If you find a way around that, then you can begin working on that without overburdening yourself. If there is no way around it, talk it over with your superiors and set a suitable schedule to get it done when you return. This will greatly lessen your workload on your return and will show your superiors that you can handle your workload efficiently.
Set contact limits
Before embarking on your PTO, setting contact limits is relevant as it allows you to have enough time to yourself without having to think about work. Let your superiors know when they can get in touch and how often you can respond to work-related emails or phone calls. You should consider setting an out-of-office message for those who get in touch when you are away so they can leave messages you can respond to later. Or, if someone is covering for you at work, you could include their contact information in your out-of-office message so that any information could be relayed to them. In the case where you have different devices, you should put all work-related devices away.
Plan ahead of time
Many people return to the office after taking PTO and feel no different, and this is because they failed to plan how they will spend their time off. PTO’s are meant for relaxation and rejuvenation. So if your daily routine on your PTO is no different from your regular work routine, then, of course, you will still feel worn out. Taking a PTO during this pandemic is meant to take a break from the mental and physical strains that have risen exponentially in these tough times. Plan activities that you will love to engage in that will have you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the work environment’s challenges when you get back.
Participate in novel activities
Studies indicate that participating in new activities and exercise improves brain function. As much as possible, try participating in new activities, whether on your own, with family at home, or with friends online. You can try going on a road trip, outdoor camping with your family for a day, experimenting in the kitchen with some recipes, and reading books or watching movies that are not in your favorite genres. You can also attempt some interesting DIY or register and take online classes.
Irrespective of how you decide to spend your time off, it is imperative to have fun and wind down. The pressures of work and Covid-19 has taken a toll on all of us. Fortunately, you can use this as an opportunity to rejuvenate before going back to the work environment.