Celeste Headlee offers her top tips for slowing down and making the most of your summer vacation. With the heat soaring this season, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a break, relax by the pool, or unwind indoors with the air conditioning. Embracing boredom can actually be beneficial. According to Headlee, author of “Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving,” boredom is not what it seems.

This could mean enjoying a stroll in nature without tracking your steps, spending a weekend at a nearby hotel to explore local museums, or even, dare we say, turning off your phone to enjoy a peaceful bath and a movie. The key is to disconnect from daily pressures and shift focus from productivity and screens.

However, stepping back isn’t easy for many. Fear of missing out (FOMO) often plays a role, but financial concerns can hold us back too. A 2023 survey by the Wall Street Journal and the National Opinion Research Center revealed that money is increasingly seen as crucial, with 43% of respondents citing it as very important, a rise from 31% in 1998. Meanwhile, values like patriotism and religion are declining.

The issue here? While money can provide the freedom to pursue many desires, the pursuit itself can be draining and counterproductive. Overworking often leads to burnout, poor decisions, and wasted resources. According to Headlee, the remedy is to slow down, close your laptop, and engage in the following practices—ideally beyond just this summer.

USE YOUR VACATION DAYS

New findings from Expedia indicate that Americans take the fewest vacation days globally. Headlee points out that not utilizing our vacation days equates to donating billions to employers.

She challenges the belief that taking time off will hinder our career advancement. Research indicates a correlation between vacation time and promotions. Those who take up to two weeks off are 6 to 7 percent more likely to receive a significant bonus in the following three years. Taking time off is beneficial, not just for your health, but also for your career growth.

DISCONNECT FROM SOCIAL MEDIA AND EMAIL

When planning a getaway, it doesn’t have to be extravagant. Headlee recalls a time when she felt overwhelmed but found joy in a simple hotel stay near Washington, D.C., where she explored the free museums without any pressure. It was liberating.

Even during staycations, Headlee emphasizes the importance of disconnecting from work. She sets an out-of-office reply that deletes all incoming emails while she’s away. “I prioritize my health over email,” she states. If something is truly urgent, people will follow up once you return rejuvenated.

LOOK TO YOUNGER GENERATIONS FOR INSPIRATION

Finally, Headlee encourages us to take cues from Gen Z when it comes to work-life boundaries. They’ve embraced concepts like ‘quiet quitting’ and ‘lazy girl jobs,’ challenging the idea that work should dominate our lives.

“In today’s world, higher wages often come with increased guilt for taking time off,” Headlee observes. “Older generations have ingrained this mindset, but Gen Z and Gen Alpha are rejecting it, which is a positive shift for everyone.”