It can feel like we always have to stay busy to succeed. Many people worry that taking time off will slow them down or make them look less committed to their jobs. But the truth is, taking breaks isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s one of the smartest things you can do for your health and your career.
Time off gives your mind and body a chance to rest and recharge. It helps reduce stress, boosts creativity, and keeps you motivated in the long run. When you come back from a break, you often have fresh ideas, more energy, and a better attitude toward your work.
Encouraging employees to take time off isn’t just good for people; it’s good for business. Teams that rest well perform better, stay healthier, and are happier overall.
Let’s look at why taking time off matters so much and how it helps both employees and organizations create a better, more balanced way to work.
Resting Helps You Handle Stress
In busy jobs, stress can build up without you even noticing. Over time, it can make you tired, anxious, or even sick.
Taking time off gives your body and mind a chance to reset by:
Lowering stress hormones
Helping you sleep better
Giving your brain time to relax and recover
According to the American Psychological Association, vacations and breaks can lower stress and boost your mood for weeks after you return. Even a long weekend can make a big difference.
Tip for Teams:
Encourage people to take regular breaks, not just once a year. And if you’re a manager, lead by example. When leaders take time off, it shows everyone that rest is part of success, not the opposite of it.
Time Off Makes You Think More Clearly
Your brain can’t stay sharp 24/7. When you work without breaks, it’s easy to lose focus and creativity. Stepping away gives your brain space to relax, and that’s when great ideas happen.
When you take time off:
Your brain enters a calm state that sparks creativity
It organizes your thoughts and helps you see things more clearly
You come back feeling fresh and motivated
Ever notice how good ideas pop into your head in the shower or while walking? That’s your brain solving problems when it’s not under pressure.
Example:
Bill Gates takes what he calls “Think Weeks”, time away from the office just to read, reflect, and come up with ideas. Many of his best breakthroughs started during those breaks.
Preventing Burnout and Feeling Happier
Burnout isn’t just being tired, it’s feeling drained and disconnected from your work. It can make you lose motivation and joy in what you do.
Taking time off helps you recharge emotionally. You get a chance to rest, focus on yourself, and come back with a better attitude.
A Gallup study found that people who take vacations regularly are happier and more engaged at work.
For Companies:
When employees rest, they perform better, stay longer, and bring more energy to their work. Everyone wins.
Time Off Helps Your Body Too
Your body feels the effects of stress, just like your mind does. Too much work without rest can cause sleep problems, heart issues, stomach pain, or getting sick more often.
Taking time off gives your body time to recover. You sleep better, feel stronger, and your immune system gets a boost.
A study from the Framingham Heart Study found that men who didn’t take vacations were 30% more likely to have heart problems than those who did. That’s a big reminder that health comes first.
Time Off Builds Stronger Teams
When people take time off, it’s not just good for them, it’s good for the team. Others step in to help, learn new skills, and become more flexible. It also shows that no one person has to carry everything alone.
Teams that support time off build more trust and work better together. It’s a great way to create balance and teamwork in the workplace.
Making Rest Part of the Company Culture
Even when companies offer vacation time, some employees still feel bad about using it. They might worry about falling behind or looking uncommitted.
To fix that, companies need to show that taking time off is normal and encouraged.
Keep PTO rules clear and easy to find
Use tools that make requesting time off simple
Celebrate balance and self-care, not just hard work
Helpful Tool:
Apps like Day Off make it easy to request and approve time off, so people can relax without worrying about confusing systems or miscommunication.
Time Off Helps Companies Succeed
It might sound backwards, but giving people more time off actually makes them more productive. When employees rest, they come back focused, creative, and ready to work.
Companies like Netflix, LinkedIn, and HubSpot have flexible vacation policies, and their teams are happier, stay longer, and perform better as a result.
Taking breaks isn’t bad for business. It’s good for it.
How to Plan and Ask for a Time Off Day
Planning a time off day thoughtfully helps ensure your absence doesn’t disrupt your workflow or team. It also helps you enjoy your day off without lingering work concerns.
Understand Your PTO Policy Thoroughly
Before you submit a request, make sure you understand your organization’s paid time off (PTO) or leave policies. Some companies offer flexible or unlimited PTO, while others have strict accrual systems. Knowing the rules ensures that you don’t run into issues or delays.
For example, understand how much notice you need to give, whether unused days roll over, and if certain periods are blacked out due to high demand or business needs.
Choose a Strategic Day
Timing is everything. Pick a day that works well for both you and your team. Avoid critical project deadlines, team meetings, or periods of high workload.
For maximum rest, try planning a time off day before or after a weekend or holiday to extend your break. You’ll get the benefit of a longer rest without using multiple PTO days.
Give Advanced Notice
The earlier you ask, the more likely your request will be approved and accommodated without friction.
This allows your manager to plan around your absence and gives colleagues time to prepare or cover key responsibilities. Two to three weeks’ notice is often considered best practice.
Document and Delegate Responsibilities
Before your day off, make a list of tasks that might require attention in your absence. Assign them to teammates or schedule them ahead.
Use shared documents or internal tools to communicate clearly. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition while you’re away and avoid coming back to chaos.
Use a Leave Management App
Manual requests are prone to miscommunication and delays. A tool like Day Off makes it easy to request leave, notify the team, and track balances all in a few taps.
This streamlines the process and shows professional responsibility, enhancing your credibility while reinforcing transparency.
What to Do on Your Time Off Day
A well-spent day off recharges you emotionally, mentally, and physically. It’s not about how much you do, but how intentionally you use the time.
Disconnect from Work Completely
Make a conscious effort to unplug. Turn off email notifications, mute Slack or Teams, and update your calendar status.
Being mentally connected to work even if you’re physically off negates the purpose of a break. Boundaries are essential for true rest.
Indulge in Slow, Restorative Activities
Give yourself permission to rest without a packed schedule. Sleep in, take a long bath, read a book, or journal.
Activities that activate your parasympathetic nervous system like slow walks, deep breathing, or mindful meditation restore energy far more effectively than high-intensity plans.
Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones
Time off is a great opportunity to connect with people who bring you joy and comfort.
Whether it’s a lunch with a friend, playing with your kids, or a movie night with your partner, social time boosts happiness and combats isolation.
Try Something New or Joyful
Do something that breaks your usual routine a pottery class, a local hike, or even exploring a new café in your neighborhood.
Novelty stimulates your brain and lifts your mood. It can help you rediscover excitement and creativity that you might have lost in day-to-day repetition.
Reflect and Reset
Use the quiet moments to assess how you’re feeling about work, life, and your goals.
This isn’t a time to stress, but gentle reflection can offer insights into what you need more or less of. It helps you return with clarity and renewed intention.
What to Avoid Doing on Your Time Off Day
Avoiding common mistakes can make the difference between a truly restorative break and one that feels just like another workday.
Don’t Check Work Emails or Messages
This is one of the most common mistakes often driven by guilt or fear of missing out.
Checking in “just in case” quickly turns into anxiety and work creep. Trust your team to handle things while you’re away. You deserve the same grace you’d extend to them.
Don’t Fill the Day with Errands
While it’s tempting to catch up on laundry, grocery shopping, or dentist appointments, doing too many errands can leave you feeling just as drained as a workday.
Designate a small window for essential tasks, but make rest and enjoyment the priority. Errands can wait; your well-being can’t.
Don’t Overschedule Activities
Packing your day with back-to-back social events or appointments might seem like making the most of your time off but it can lead to overstimulation and fatigue.
Leave room for spontaneity and rest. A loose, flexible plan creates space for real relaxation and self-care.
Don’t Feel Guilty About Resting
Many people feel unproductive or “lazy” on a day off, especially if they’re used to high performance.
Remind yourself that rest is not a reward it’s a requirement. Taking care of your energy levels is key to being your best at work and at home.
FAQs
How often should I take a day off?
It’s a good idea to take a personal day every month or so, around every four to six weeks, in addition to your regular vacation days. You don’t have to wait until you feel completely exhausted. Taking small breaks regularly helps you stay balanced and avoid burnout. Even one day to rest, recharge, or do something you enjoy can make a big difference in your mood and energy. Think of it as maintenance for your mind and body, the same way your car needs regular tune-ups to run well, you do too.
What if I’m worried about falling behind at work?
That’s a really common worry, but planning ahead can take away most of that stress. Let your manager and team know early about your time off, and organize your work before you go. Finish what you can, and hand off anything that might need attention while you’re away. Most people will understand and help you out, after all, everyone needs time off sometimes. And remember: you’ll get more done once you return rested and focused. A clear, relaxed mind works faster and better than a tired one.
Is it okay to take time off for mental health?
Yes, absolutely. Taking time off for your mental health is just as important as taking a sick day for a cold or the flu. Your mind needs care too. Many companies now include mental health or “wellness” days in their PTO policies because they understand how important balance is. If your workplace doesn’t officially have those days yet, it’s still completely fine to use a personal day to rest, reset, or take care of yourself. You don’t have to wait until you’re burnt out to step back. Taking time to care for your mental well-being helps you stay strong and focused in the long run.
How can I stop feeling guilty about taking time off?
Feeling guilty is normal, especially in work cultures that praise constant busyness. But taking time off doesn’t make you lazy; it makes you human. You can’t do your best work if you’re running on empty. Try to remind yourself that rest isn’t selfish, it benefits your team, your company, and you. When you come back refreshed, you think more clearly, solve problems faster, and work better with others. Taking care of yourself is part of being a responsible, high-performing professional.
Can taking time off actually make me more productive?
Yes, without a doubt. It might seem like working nonstop means you’ll get more done, but the opposite is true. When you push too hard, your focus and creativity drop. Taking time off gives your brain a chance to recharge. Studies show that people who take regular breaks are more productive, creative, and engaged when they return. You’ll think more clearly, make better decisions, and work faster, all because you allowed yourself to rest.
How do I make sure my team isn’t overwhelmed when I’m away?
Good communication is key. Let your team know your plans as early as possible so they can prepare. Write down what needs to be done while you’re gone and share any important details or deadlines. If certain tasks need to be covered, assign them ahead of time or coordinate with your coworkers. You can also use shared calendars, task lists, or apps like Day Off to make it easy for everyone to see when you’ll be away. When you prepare well, your team stays organized, and you can truly relax.
What’s the best way to request time off in a fast-paced company?
In a busy environment, timing and clear communication make all the difference. Choose a time that doesn’t clash with major deadlines, meetings, or team projects. Once you know your dates, talk to your manager as early as possible, this gives them time to plan. It also helps to show that you’ve thought about how your work will be handled while you’re gone. Using formal tools or apps to make requests keeps everything organized and transparent. It shows professionalism and helps your manager say “yes” with confidence.
Should I completely disconnect during time off?
Yes, as much as you can. The whole point of taking time off is to rest your mind, and that can’t happen if you’re still checking emails or messages. Let your coworkers know in advance that you’ll be unavailable, and set up an out-of-office message so people know when you’ll be back. Then, silence your notifications and give yourself permission to fully relax. Work will still be there when you return, but you’ll come back ready to handle it with more energy and focus.
What if I feel more stressed after taking time off?
That can happen if you didn’t really disconnect or if you came back to a pile of work waiting for you. The best way to avoid that is to plan your time off and your return carefully. Before you leave, organize your tasks and let your team know what to expect. When you come back, don’t overload your first day, keep it light. Spend that first day catching up on messages, getting organized, and easing back into your routine. This “soft landing” makes it much easier to stay calm and focused after your break.
How can managers encourage time off without hurting performance?
A: The best managers understand that time off actually boosts performance. Encourage your team to plan so workloads stay balanced. Use tools like Day Off to keep track of schedules, avoid overlaps, and make sure everyone gets fair time away. Talk openly about the importance of rest and set the example by taking breaks yourself. When employees see leaders respecting their own time off, they’ll feel safe doing the same. A well-rested team works harder, communicates better, and stays longer.
Conclusion
Taking time off isn’t about being lazy, it’s about taking care of yourself so you can keep doing your best. Everyone needs time to rest, recharge, and reset. When you give yourself that space, you come back with more energy, better ideas, and a clearer mind.
For companies, encouraging employees to take time off isn’t just a nice gesture, it’s a smart business move. Rested people are happier, healthier, and more productive. They bring fresh ideas, better teamwork, and a positive attitude that lifts the whole workplace.
With tools like Day Off, managing leave becomes easy and stress-free. It helps teams stay organized while making sure everyone gets the breaks they deserve.