"Successful people plan ahead when a holiday break is approaching, because they recognize that it's a rare opportunity to enjoy well-earned leisure time," Taylor said. "Even if the plan is to kick back, they usually have in mind certain activities, such as visiting with family or friends."
Don't ruin your break by overworking yourself. If you need to get stuff done, there's a way to handle it without dragging down the rest of your time off. "If work needs to get done, assign a period during the day or the break to attend to it," Taylor said.
"Successful professionals let others know when and how they can be reached, so they can truly recharge," Taylor said. "Setting a day and time during the week allows you to get a lot accomplished in an efficient way." So make sure to set up an "out of office" email.
It can be hard to relax on break if you've left your work in a state of disarray. "Tying up loose ends mitigates chaos and projects falling through the cracks by the time you return," Taylor said.
"You may not have the luxury of literally handing over your projects to a staff member, but savvy professionals will at least have a contact available who can reach them in an emergency," Taylor said.
Sometimes, you just have to say "no" to things on break. "Depending on the status of your work and latitude in your position, you may sometimes have to say, 'No,' albeit diplomatically, when asked for things that can wait," Taylor said. "If that's been a challenge for you in the past, this is an opportunity to grow and feel more empowered in your work life."
Successful people try to detach themselves from their cell phones, Taylor said. It will help you unwind and relax.
There's no place like home for the holidays. "There may be other times of the year when you have time off and those you care about aren't available," Taylor said. "But this is prime time for reconnecting with your family and friends; they likely have some down time, too."
At the end of the day, breaks are meant to be relaxing. Don't overbook yourself. "If you book yourself solid with activities during your time off, you may feel pressure, which is counterproductive," Taylor told Business Insider.
Full-fledged vacations can be amazing, enriching experiences, but a lot of holiday travel can also be rather draining. Taylor noted that successful people realize that low-key getaways and staycations can be just as fun during breaks.
Don't make excuses. Odds are, you're downing a few more candy canes than usual over break, so it's more crucial than ever that you keep up your exercise routine. "Skipping workouts over the holidays can make you feel like you're dragging, and you want to capitalize on valued time off by feeling your best mentally and physically," Taylor said.
Getting involved in your favorite hobby or pastime, whether it's music, sports, art, reading, or other endeavors, gives you a broader and healthier perspective on life," Taylor said. "It also makes you a more interesting person in and outside of work."
Taylor said that the holidays are an excellent time to enjoy the great outdoors and get some much-needed fresh air.
Whatever you do, don't waste your precious free time on work. You might get ahead in the office in the short-term, but you're risking burnout and sacrificing your own relaxation. "Work-life balance can seem a trite term, but it's how many business leaders define true success," Taylor said.
"The holidays can be an ideal time to help others who are less fortunate, especially during this time of year when a sense of support and community goes a long way," Taylor said. Plus, helping others may make you feel happier and healthier.
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