I'm the type of guy who never actually takes time off. I'll use my PTO, I have days that I work less than usual, but I never truly, fully, completely unplug. But you need to do it.
Last weekend I went camping for the first time in a few months. Not like, field with bathrooms and showers camping. But actually deep in the mountains camping. I had no phone service for 3 days. The first few hours I was stressing about work. What emails am I missing, what clients are trying to get in touch with me and can't, etc. But after a few hours I thought about it less and less. I got to spend some really good quality time with friends and not be distracted by work.
After my 3 days when I returned to the land of cell phone service I felt so refreshed. I didn't realize how much I needed a real break. Not just a "eh I'll just check my email real quick and end up doing 2-3 hours of work on my day off" kinda break.
So if you're like me, and never really disconnect, do it. Work will still be there when you get back. But damn some time not thinking about it or even having the option to do it feels great.
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