Set (loose) goals for your time off
nd happiness that will fuel you when it's time to get back to work.
[Management Tip of the Day]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h96eab70a,11f5006b,11f5006d&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Today’s Tip
Set (Loose) Goals for Your Time Off
With the holiday season around the corner, you might be taking some well-deserved time off. How can you make the most of it? It may seem counterintuitive, but research has shown that people who set personal goals to achieve during their downtime — such as seeing friends, pursuing a hobby, or even organizing a closet — report being happier than those who prioritize more passive “rest and relaxation” (i.e., sitting around in your pajamas watching TV or playing video games). Think of this approach as proactive recovery that helps you recuperate from the daily grind. Whatever your goals are, the important thing is that you lay out a plan. One caveat: This doesn’t mean you should treat these goals like a to-do list. Stay flexible — this is your time off, after all! But ultimately, feeling like you've made the most of your vacation days will give you a sense of pride, accomplishment, and happiness that will fuel you when it's time to get back to work.
This tip is adapted from “Be Intentional About How You Spend Your Time Off<https://hbr.org/2021/12/be-intentional-about-how-you-spend-your-time-off?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge,”> by Laura M. Giurge and Vanessa Bohns
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[Management Tip of the Day]<https://t.a.email.hbr.org/r/?id=h96eab70a,11f5006b,11f5006d&p1=?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge>
Today’s Tip
Set (Loose) Goals for Your Time Off
With the holiday season around the corner, you might be taking some well-deserved time off. How can you make the most of it? It may seem counterintuitive, but research has shown that people who set personal goals to achieve during their downtime — such as seeing friends, pursuing a hobby, or even organizing a closet — report being happier than those who prioritize more passive “rest and relaxation” (i.e., sitting around in your pajamas watching TV or playing video games). Think of this approach as proactive recovery that helps you recuperate from the daily grind. Whatever your goals are, the important thing is that you lay out a plan. One caveat: This doesn’t mean you should treat these goals like a to-do list. Stay flexible — this is your time off, after all! But ultimately, feeling like you've made the most of your vacation days will give you a sense of pride, accomplishment, and happiness that will fuel you when it's time to get back to work.
This tip is adapted from “Be Intentional About How You Spend Your Time Off<https://hbr.org/2021/12/be-intentional-about-how-you-spend-your-time-off?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_campaign=mtod_actsubs&utm_content=signinnudge,”> by Laura M. Giurge and Vanessa Bohns
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Comments & Events
Lisa McHugh,
Assistant Bureau Director, Bureau of Epidemiology
Thanks for posting this. This is a big topic for me and something I've been working on personally but also with my team. Even during working hours - we have been trying to set some time aside to accomplish pleasurable work goal. This might just be 30 minutes to read a journal article that's been sitting on your desk or to re-organize your office. I also find that some of these "little" wins at both home and work can have big impact.
Amelia Salmanson,
Viral Hepatitis Coordinator
I thought about this last weekend after spending all of Saturday going through my childhood things. I tend to melt into the couch on weekends, but have been trying to be more productive and pick away at my growing "to-do" list.
Erica Smith,
Deputy State Epidemiologist, DE
Lisa, that's a great idea to set "pleasurable" work goals. Plus it can be so satisfying to get rid of those pre-COVID dust bunnies on behind your monitor, LOL!