How to maintain balance during a workation?

A workation is a combination of work and vacation. It can be a brilliant solution for avid travelers, as well as those who, for various reasons, cannot go on full-time holidays, especially during the summer. Although workation can be seen as an element of work-life balance, there are a few reasons why simply changing your environment is not enough to achieve harmony. Here are a few of our tips on how to spend your workation to fully rest and experience what your destination has to offer, without sacrificing your productivity and neglecting work duties.

1. Plan everything (or almost everything)
2. Set goals and priorities
3. Get up at the same time every day
4. Adjust the time and (work)place
5. Unplug after work
6. Explore new places, meet new people

Plan everything (or almost everything)

Spontaneous trips are undeniably thrilling; however, the key to a well-spent workation is careful planning. Research your destination; make a list of your must-see places and any interesting local events you might want to take part in. Look for some good restaurants and coffee shops; explore the area on Google Maps and see where your nearest grocery store or pharmacy is. This virtual trip allows you to acquaint yourself with your destination before you even arrive and makes acclimatizing easier so that you waste no time on your workation. Being familiar with your surroundings (even through the internet) is a massive advantage.

At the same time, leave some room for creative spontaneity and openness for new experiences and acquaintances to enter your life. The unexpected can add some much-needed flavor to your routine. 

Set goals and priorities

Be sure to consider your work duties when planning a trip: set clear priorities and goals you wish to achieve during your workation and think about which of them you can push until after you return. Plan out your work day and divide bigger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This will allow you to better organize your work during a workation and, consequently, increase productivity and minimize the stress of daily responsibilities. 

Get up at the same time every day

Good sleep hygiene is the foundation of leading a healthy lifestyle. Sure, vacation is a fantastic opportunity to indulge, however, to masterfully combine work with relaxation, a systematic morning routine, including a fixed wake-up time, is essential. You can create a new, workation-specific morning routine – what matters is following it throughout your entire trip. Such consistency will have a positive effect on the quality of your work and rest.

Adjust the time and (work)place

Don’t forget that, although work is a fixed part of your trip, you are still on vacation – keep that in mind when arranging your professional schedule. So, whenever possible, try to tailor your work hours to your leisure plans, not the other way around. In the end, this tactic will be hugely beneficial for both your professional and private lives. On the one hand, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on all the fun; on the other – the satisfaction and the large dose of relaxation will encourage you to work more effectively. After all, it is widely known that a happy employee is a productive employee.

Make sure your workspace provides the comfort and ergonomics you need – consider this when booking your accommodation. Before you leave, research any coworking spaces or coffee shops you might want to work from. Create a mobile office that allows you to maintain your productivity wherever you go. Naturally, accessories from Oakywood are foolproof tools to make that happen. Simply remember to pack a wireless charger or a docking station, a small tray to hold your accessories, a felt sleeve for your laptop, and, if space permits, the Laptop Stand – it will truly make a difference in the absence of a desk.

Unplug after work

Regular contact with your team and effective communication are hugely important when you’re on a work vacation. However, it is also essential to set clear boundaries between work and leisure time: when the workday ends, simply log out. Turn off all work notifications, set up an auto-reply email, and mute your work phone. Try to shift your state of mind from professional to rest, but keep in mind that this step is often the most difficult. If you struggle to banish all work thoughts from your brain, look at it as just another task to do, at least at the beginning. To help you disconnect from work, make concrete plans for leisure time – that’s why scheduling fun activities for your trip is essential.

Explore new places, meet new people

Regardless of whether your workation lasts a week, month, or even half a year (why not?), try to immerse yourself in the new environment and try to live like a local. They say traveling broadens our horizons, but only for those who want that to happen. Benefit from unfamiliar surroundings by learning about its culture and customs; gain new experiences and make new friends. This all impacts your development, mindset, and outlook on life. Evolving as a human being and exercising your intellect automatically makes you a better employee. A win-win.