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In our always-on culture, switching off is harder than it sounds. In a world where your phone is basically glued to your hand, it's way too easy to sneak a peak at your inbox during half time at soccer or quickly reply to a slack message after dinner. Sure, tech gives us freedom to work from anywhere – but when everywhere becomes your office, when do you actually get to rest?
A research-based article published in The Conversation calls this 'digital presenteeism' – where there is an underlying expectation that employees are available, regardless of work hours. The researchers advise that "this feeling of connection can impact our health by making us stressed, anxious and burnt out".
While we may feel more productive than ever before - are we?
The Stress Management Society advises that prolonged stress is likely to have knock-on effects such as reduced performance at work and health concerns. They list some key signs that can indicate when you've tipped over from working smarter to just working harder.
Signs that you may need a break:
- Cognitive
- Starting many tasks but achieving little
- 'Brain Fog'
- Indecision and self-doubt
- Moodiness & anxiety
- Physical
- Rapid heartbeat
- Frequent colds
- Skin complaints
- Behavioural
- Increased intake in alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine to relax
- Isolating yourself from others
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Loss of sense of humour
TIDs' solution? Book a holiday.
A 2025 US study suggests taking a holiday can provide legitimate health benefits and TID are here for it. Researchers found what TID travellers have known for years: going on vacation can help in reducing stress and increasing physical and mental well-being. And, when you are able to disconnect, the positive benefits can be experienced even several weeks after returning to work.
Here are our top 7 tips to make sure your 'break' feels like a break.
- Make it achievable. If you realistically can't take too long away from work or general life, plan a long weekend close to home so you don't lose time travelling. If you don't have time to plan, look at all-inclusive package holidays.
- Share the load. A holiday shouldn't be work, but there are extra tasks that need to be done. Split the responsibilities between those going – that means everything from planning, booking reservations and organising travel insurance, to packing and picking up those last-minute panic buys 'just in case' they don't sell sunscreen at your resort.
- Set your out of office. Pack swimmers, not work. The whole point of taking a break is to give your mind and your body time off. Make sure work isn't taking up headspace by doing a thorough handover – then put your OOO on, do a quick fridge check and walk out that door.
- Unplug. Take a walk (sans insta snaps), enjoy a meal without the table buzzing and stop stressing about how much charge your phone has. The apps won't go anywhere without you – but imagine the adventures you'll have when you stop doomscrolling.
- Get outside. Is there anything more rejuvenating than the sun on your face and nowhere you need to be? Sometimes fresh air can be, well, a breath of fresh air!
- Live in the moment. Forget what might be waiting for you back home. Philosopher Lao Tzu summed it up perfectly: "If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present."
- Try something new. Sure, trying a new activity can be a little nerve-wracking. It can also be a huge confidence boost and a great reminder of options outside of your little bubble. When you do go back to your day-to-day, that perspective can help when you're feeling overwhelmed.
Ok, so you're convinced.
You understand why it's important to switch off, and how. Now for the fun question – where should you go to recharge?Deciding where to relax really depends on your personal vibe. There's no one size fits all when it comes to stress management and slowing down – you may prefer a chilled out getaway for a quiet oasis to breathe and unwind, or an action-packed itinerary could be just what you need to recharge.
Chilled-out getaways
Retreat to Tasmania
While Tasmania is big enough to explore for months, we'd suggest heading to the East Coast or Southern Tasmania for the beaches, ocean vistas and quant towns.
Find paradise on Samoa
Just 5.5 hours away from Sydney, you'll find everything that epitomises paradise. The island of Samoa is covered in waterfalls, lagoons and untouched beaches for you to explore. Bungalows stilted on white sand surrounded by palm trees are dotted around the island welcoming nothing but lounging on the beach, swimming and swinging in a hammock.
Soak up a Thai Spa
Where better to cleanse and heal than the home of the Thai massage. In Thailand, massage is a way of life that's used as more of an everyday practise to relieve stress than a once-in-a-while treat. And, luxury spa packages are often a third of what you'd pay for the same experience in Oz.
The best areas for spas are Chiang Mai and Koh Samui, where treatments include body wraps, scrubs, reflexology and facilities like hot steam baths and hydrothermal pools.
Stretch out with yoga in Ubud, Bali
The spirituality and the natural beauty of Bali have contributed to Ubud's rise as a yoga hub. Whatever the time of day, you'll be able to find a yoga class going on somewhere in this little collection of villages.
Studios overlook the verdant rice fields and jungle that the region is renowned for, with various classes available to suit your style of this calming activity.
Action-packed itineraries
Rugby coaching in Fiji
If rugby is your game, Think Pacific offers the chance to volunteer coaching rugby in Fiji. During your stay, you'll lead weekly coaching sessions with locals in some of the most remote parts of the South Pacific Islands.
As Fiji's national sport, rugby is a way of life here. The passion that Fijians have for the sport is infectious and volunteers often leave this experience feeling inspired, through engaging the community by helping to instigate teamwork, build strong connections and even learn some new skills along the way.
Hiking, kayaking and cycling in New Zealand
New Zealand is a natural playground for adventurous travellers. Whether you're driving or busing around, there are so many spots across the North and South islands to stop and do a thrill-seeking activity.
The paths, tracks and waters of NZ's adventure trails will take you to some of the country's best-loved sights, including Fjords, mountains, forests and lakes. Active Adventures offer some great tours that get you off the beaten track.
Discovering the Northern Territory
If you're yet to explore the rugged landscapes of the outback, head to the Northern Territory to clear your mind amongst boulders, gullies, gorges, waterholes, National Parks and wildlife.
Intrepid Travel offers the chance to get back to nature in this sacred part of Australia with hikes, camping and dining under the stars as part of the itinerary.