OOO....

I'm on annual leave for my child's school holiday this week. But here I am....

Why is it so hard to switch off! Especially as a high-performing member of your leadership team. You may feel obliged to stay connected with what's happing all of the time.

I made a commitment to post my newsletter daily, and so it shall be!

In a constantly digitally connected world, it can be challenging to switch off and disconnect from work. Do you ever find yourself in the same scenario. Fully switched off but constantly connected!?

Taking regular breaks and disconnecting from technology in general, I feel, is essential for our mental and emotional well-being.

As my own best teacher and student of the game, here's some of my top advice for switching off and 'really' being out of office:

1. Set boundaries: Establish clear work hours and communicate them to your colleagues, friends and clients. Let them know when you will be available and when you will not be.
2. Turn off notifications: I find this one the hardest but most satisfying! Turn off notifications for work-related emails and messages outside of work. This helps me avoid the temptation to check my phone or flip open the laptop constantly. I put my phone on aeroplane mode after 8pm.
3. Create an autoresponder: (LINKEDIN AUTORESPONDER TUTORIAL BELOW) Set up an email out-of-office autoresponder to let people know that you are not available. Include the date you will return, an alternative point of contact, and an emergency contact if necessary.
4. Practice mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises. These practices will help you relax and be present in the moment.
5. Leave work at work: Try to leave work-related tasks and thoughts at the desk/office. Create a clear separation between work and home life.
6. Set aside designated work time: Instead of working all the time, set aside designated work time and stick to it. This will help you be more productive and efficient during work hours, which can make it easier to disconnect during your time off.

Here's how to set up your LinkedIn autoresponder.

Yes, LinkedIn does have an autoresponder for out of office! This feature is known as "Away Message ," and it allows you to set an auto-response message for your LinkedIn messages when you're away from the office.

Here's how to set up your autoresponder:

1. Log in to your LinkedIn account.
2. Click on the three dots ... on your messages - bottom right.
3. Select "Set away message."
4. Turn it On and Set the dates you are away from - to
5. Write an auto response message in the provided text box
6. Enter your auto-response message in the provided text box.
7. Click "Save" to activate the auto-response.

Once you have set up the autoresponder, anyone who sends you a message on LinkedIn will receive an automated response letting them know that you're currently away and when you're expected to return. When you return to work, be sure to turn off your 'away message' mode to resume receiving LinkedIn messages as normal.

To your continued super success

PS - my autoresponder is now on!