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Coronavirus might’ve impacted millions of people’s holiday plans, but before you rush to cancel your planned annual leave why not take some time off for yourself?

Lots of those fortunate enough to still be working will be finding themselves in this position. You might not be able to use your holiday as you would’ve done for cancelled or postponed trips, but there are still plenty of ways – and benefits – to spending that time off well.

Here’s how you can make your out of office count.

Planning and carving time out is key

The point of annual leave is to have a moment of work-free rest and relaxation, rather than overseas travel. It’s important workers take regular breaks away from the demands and the daily stresses of the email inbox, dealing with clients and attending meetings for their wellbeing and health.

“You don’t need to get on a plane to have a holiday,” says Neil Shah, chief de-stressing officer at The Stress Management Society, adding that it’s time to reassess how we define holidays.

“It’s absolutely imperative to have time to do things that are different from the norm. A change is as good as a rest. Ultimately, it could be a change of environment, a change of perspective or a change of what you’re consuming your time with.”

However, without knowing what you’re going to do it’s really easy to get your head stuck in an email or slip into a Netflix hole sitting in the same spot all day. 

“Do the same as you would with an actual holiday, such as planning, brochures and online research,” he says. “In the same way, plan loose activities that you’re going to be doing on a day-to-day basis in your actual home, including things you would like to have done, but never got around to because you’re too busy.”

Rest and recovery

Fortunately, many workers will have the ability to carry over unused annual leave for up to 2 years, but it’s important to give yourself some much needed TLC in the present day because being cooped up indoors can still be draining. 

“A holiday is about relaxing, discovering new things and making memories – I think sometimes we forget that when taking time off,” explains Dr. Angela Carter, an occupational psychologist at Just Development. “We look back on our holiday snaps, we talk to people about them afterward and we should take time for what we miss.” 

Being in our current covid-19 situation, we’re lacking in doing those things because we’re forced in the same space day-in, day-out.

“What you’re trying to do in recovery is psychologically taking your brain to detach from work,” she suggests. “Find all-encompassing activities such as cooking, exercising, listening to a podcast, cycling, or reading. If you’re missing social interaction, use this time to catch up with friends over video calls or a socially-distanced meet up outside.”

Avoid hassle and de-stress

Have you ever taken a break and returned needing another break to get over the one you just had? This is because there’s a lot of stress associated with travel.

“Going to new places is exciting, but there are a lot of challenges that could happen,” Shah says. “There’s an economic cost, packing, getting from A to B, and potentially being stuck abroad due to changing circumstances.”

If you are planning a day out somewhere else, then consider planning a local staycation that isn’t too far from home or opt to go somewhere off-peak times when places are less busy and crowded. 

Be sure to switch off 

Don’t forget to remind yourself of the restorative value of simply taking the time to be ‘offline’ from time to time, even if this doesn’t involve leaving the house.

“Being glued to the news and social media all day, is not surprisingly, not good for you,”  says occupational psychologist Dr. Emma Donaldson-Feilder. “Give yourself a break from watching the endless figures, stories, and some of the tragic things that are going on in the world.” 

There’s no denying the importance of being engaged and proactive in a world that needs urgent change, but carving out time to stop scrolling will help you recharge so you’re able to contribute fully.

“Recognise what works for you as an individual and really make a conscious choice about it. Do something a bit different and try to break your habitual patterns,” says Donaldson-Feilder.