3 Ways to Control Your Phone Addiction on Vacation

Studies show that Americans are finally taking more paid time off, after a nearly two-decade decline in PTO usage. Perhaps the research-backed message is finally sinking in: taking vacation makes us physically and mentally healthier, and boosts our wellbeing at home and at work. But unfortunately, for too many people, a day off isn’t a day off because they remain tethered to their devices, worried they’ll miss an important message or seem uncommitted to their work. To combat this kind of stress, try three things. First, fib on our out-of-office message. Say you’ll have limited email access, even if you plan to check in once or twice while you’re away, so you can respond on your own terms. Second, consider hiding your mobile phone (or even locking it in the hotel safe) so you’re not distracted by push notifications. Third, ask your team for a recap of what you missed when your back, so they can flag anything important. That will help ease your transition back to work by cutting through the sea of unprioritized messages and requests.