Disconnecting on vacation: lighten your mental load and really unwind
Welcome, club 17:10
Welcome to this newsletter format where we look at women's entrepreneurship, the world of work, everyday life... and of course suit looks. ❤️
For this July article, we focus on disconnection and mental workload during the vacations.
When we asked Amélie and Caroline, co-founders of 17:10, how their vacation went, the answer was clear: online meetings, emergencies, e-mails... all with small children. In short: not all restful.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, an employee or a freelancer, the unexpected happens everywhere. That's why you need tolearn to prioritize and delegate - without feeling guilty about it.
Why is it so hard to let go?
"What if I take a week off? Will the team cope without me?"
We often stay connected "just in case". We want to do the right thing, respond quickly, prove our motivation. As a result, our minds never rest.
What the figures say
A 2019 study shows that 67% of French people (and 73% of women) continue to work on vacation, smartphone and laptop in hand.
But a real break improves productivity and creativity in the long term: our brains need silence, the absence of screens and a sensory break to regenerate.
"If I were a doctor, I would prescribe vacations to all patients who consider their work important." - Bertrand Russell
Pre-departure checklist 📆
- Choose the right period (key customers also on break, no other critical people away).
- Get the essentials right 2-3 weeks beforehand.
- Clear delegation: worklist, step-by-step process, FAQ, pre-start alignment point.
- Activate the absence message (and, if possible, delegate the mailbox).
- Notify all contacts (including less frequent contacts).
Vacation checklist 🌊
- Uninstall professional e-mail/messaging apps (reinstall them on your return) and leave the computer in the office.
- Break the routine: staggered working hours, new rhythms (the body understands that you're taking a break).
- Fill your diary with pleasures if inactivity makes you anxious: sport, art, courses, workshops...
- Sharing the load: delegate to local relatives to avoid the mental logistical burden.
3 reminders for a rest that counts 📝
- The time off allows a real assessment and reveals the processes to be improved for the new school year.
- Time doesn't come back: prioritize quality (family, sleep, exploration) without distractions.
- Nothing will fall apart if the delegation is prepared: trust the framework.
Conclusion
We hope these points help you reduce the mental load and enjoy some well-deserved rest. Let us know on Instagram what you'd like to read next - we love your feedback 🥰.
