Yes, leaving a place where we have been for a long time relaxes our minds and improves our productivity. I went to my home country four months ago.

I took a short 4-5 day vacation (I returned today), and I feel so renewed! I have lots of energy, and I'm feeling much more productive. Apparently, the break was much needed!

Longer vacations can be helpful because it makes it easy to come back to a blank slate — only the most important tasks come back. When you're only gone for a weekend or a short trip, it's really easy to hold onto your old task list, but after a week or two of vacation it becomes clear what is not necessary for the business. This is why I like to regularly delete tasks older than 3 months from the backlog as a PM. If someone doesn't feel strongly enough to add it back in, it probably shouldn't be a priority.

Its funny but sometimes it can be energising and sometimes you comeback with feeling of haze.... But at the end of the day I think our work is an important part of our and we should strive to do our best and not get swayed away.

Hi @fares_aktouf After every trip, I see a boost in my productivity level. However, it is not only about trips, a slight change in daily routine or a small outing can enhance the motivation and productivity level. What are your thoughts on this?

Yes, definitely it has a huge impact! Firstly - motivation, somehow I start to miss daily tasks and the feeling of satisfaction when I fulfill them... Then, surely it reflects on the productivity as I charge my batteries! :D ^_^

Having a break from work definitely improves my productivity and motivation. I always end up coming back to work with so much energy, even if I'm just away for a long weekend.

It definitely has. Clearing up your mind, focusing on other things for a certain period, recharging your mental batteries, and more. I don' think it's realistic (or even sustainable in the long-term) to force yourself to push 8-10 and more hours every day. The quality of your work will inevitably suffer and you're at a high risk of burnout.

Your environment can play a huge role in your performance. Going on a vacation and immersing yourself in new surroundings and cultures can open your mind and forever change the way you view the world. I take regular breaks and go on trips to refreshen my mind.

I recently switched and before switching to my new role, I took a break for a week. The goal was to get recharged and rejuvenated. When I get back and started my new job BOOM the productivity and the motivation were on the cloud. After that day, I made a commitment to myself that I must take a break frequently and I highly recommend every one of you as well.

Previous studies showed vacation increases productivity, but the real question we should be asking is about how mindful we are of our needs. Our capacity depends not only on taking rest but also at the right time. It's alarming to see so many industry professionals struggling with vacation guilt.

Last year 9 days, impact on motivation. Shorter breaks (three-day weekend) without leaving town, allow me to catch up on current affairs, so that also has a positive effect on motivation :)

I just got back from a 7th week sabbatical. 7th Week Sabbatical? You work six weeks and take one week off. I feel like a new man. I attended a three day conference and did a one day health intensive. The biggest benefit is new clarity on some things I’ve been thinking about. The other thing I noticed today is that I’m more focused on what matters and I don’t feel anxiety about all the other stuff.

It certainly is. I feel that breaks are key to having fresh ideas or even viewing your project from an outsider's eye.

I took a vacation and spent it at the dacha, gardening) This kind of physical activity clears the mind and helps to switch it up. That's why you should take a break every two months, I think.

I think it really helps both. It also personally helps me for self-reflection. If I'm not looking forward to going back to work then I try and sit and pinpoint why, then work out what I can change for the better. Sometimes you just get used to over riding feelings day to day to just get stuff done and break maybe puts a spotlight on that.

Not only vacation. Changing activities even on weekends is a good option. Once we needed to buy a table for the children for their studies. But of all the options on the market, none suited us. We spent one Saturday on designing and ordering a cut of sheet material. A few days later we took the order. Another Saturday left for assembly. Because There were no pre-drilled holes, everything had to be drilled by ourselves. So. Every day with a new activity is something great. You are faced with something that you have not done before. You design and embody thought into matter. Even the memories of such days motivate to do something more useful than watching TV.

Of course yes! Taking vacation time is essential to survival. Time off from work is integral to well-being, sustained productivity, and motivation. Going on vacation makes you feel more present.

I try and take a break to gain a fresh perspective every now and then. I feel if you stare at a project for too long you'll miss what other people see immediately.

I went to my home country, it definitely motivated me as I got the chance to see my family and meet some old friends. It also gave me some time to think about what my priorities would be for the upcoming month