Switching Off from Work Properly: My Holiday Routine (Even at Home)

When I take time off work, I take it seriously. Whether I'm heading away or having a holiday at home, I disconnect completely—and unapologetically. Working in IT, the lines between “on” and “off” can easily blur, especially when you have access to everything from your phone or laptop. But over time, I’ve learned that proper rest requires firm boundaries. So I’ve built a routine that helps me truly switch off, and here’s how I do it.

Switching off from work properly—especially when working in IT or from home—is harder than it sounds, but it’s essential for avoiding burnout and staying effective long-term. 

These are the practical steps I use to fully disconnect from work during time off.

1. Set Clear Out-of-Office Boundaries

I don’t send vague “I’ll get back to you when I return” messages. My out-of-office email reply makes it clear:
I am out of the office and cannot be reached.

I also provide the correct route for urgent support—usually pointing people to the help desk or main IT contact number. I do this for two reasons:

• I’m not being paid to monitor or respond to work while on holiday.

• There are capable teams in place to handle things without me.

Being clear sets expectations and removes the pressure to keep one foot in work mode.

2. Turn Off Work Notifications Completely

I don’t want work chats pinging me while I’m off, especially from apps that live on my personal phone. So I switch off Teams notifications entirely. If it’s urgent, people can go through the proper channels (which, spoiler: they rarely need to).

3. Power Down Your Work Laptop (and Put It Away)

When my holiday starts, I shut down my work laptop completely and physically put it away. Not just out of sight—but out of reach.
This sends a signal to myself: I am not working. I am not available. I’m off.

4. Avoid Your Work Space During Time Off

During workdays, my home office is where I sit and focus. But during time off, I avoid that space completely. I’ve learned that just being in that chair or at that desk can trick my brain into “work mode.” So I reclaim the boundary by physically distancing myself.

If I do need to use a computer—maybe to watch something, browse, or sort personal files—I’ll grab my MacBook and head to another room. That machine has no connection to work, and using it elsewhere helps reinforce the feeling of being off-duty.

5. Why Fully Disconnecting from Work Matters

I believe it's good practice to disconnect completely. Not half-on, not checking emails in the evening, not just “keeping an eye” on things. Fully off.

Because I’m not being paid to think about work while I’m on holiday. And frankly, thinking about it doesn’t help anyone—least of all me.

In many workplaces, constant availability is expected—but it often leads directly to stress, burnout, and reduced effectiveness. But more than that, taking time for myself is a boundary I’ve chosen—and I stand by it.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re going abroad or taking a quiet break at home, you deserve time that is yours. The emails can wait. The messages can go to someone else. And the world won’t stop spinning if you don’t check in.

My routine may sound strict, but it gives me the space to recharge. And every time I stick to it, I’m reminded: rest isn’t something I need to earn—it’s something I’m entitled to.

If you’re working with systems that don’t quite match how people actually use technology today, I spend a lot of time helping simplify and improve how things work.

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