Reclaiming Rest: How to Conquer Vacation Guilt Once and for All

If you think skipping vacation proves your dedication, think again—it might be stalling your career.

Sure, your feed is full of Amalfi sunsets and Bali retreats, while you’re sipping lukewarm coffee in a cubicle that could double as a storage closet. That’s vacation envy. But for high performers, the bigger hurdle isn’t booking the trip, it’s escaping vacation guilt.

It’s that persistent voice whispering, “Shouldn’t you be working?” as you’re trying to enjoy a margarita by the pool. And it’s more than an annoyance, it’s a performance inhibitor.

Why Vacation Guilt Is Counterproductive

The business case for rest is clear. Harvard Business Review’s Project Time Off found those who took more than 10 vacation days a year had a 65.4% chance of getting a raise or bonus. Those who took fewer than 10? Just 34.6%.

Corporate Wellness Magazine reports the same pattern: employees who use most or all of their vacation days perform better and feel more satisfied in their roles.

The takeaway is clear: Vacation guilt doesn’t just drain your energy—it limits your impact, erodes your decision-making, and can stall your career growth. For leaders, it also sends the wrong signal to your team: that constant availability is the standard.

4 Ways You Can Overcome Vacation Guilt

Transformation Coach Lauren Bonheim, ACC, and Organizational Development Coach Laxmi Dady share their best strategies for leaving the guilt behind and getting the most out of your time away.

1. Shift Your Mindset

If you catch yourself asking, “Why do I feel guilty taking time off?” take it as a signal that you’re ready to rethink how productivity and rest fit together.

Taking PTO isn’t “taking away” from your employer, it’s an investment in your performance. You need to recharge to do your best work and lead effectively.

As Bonheim puts it: “You need to fill your cup before you can pour into anything else.”

2. Create a Vacation Mantra

Dady suggests creating a short mantra you can repeat while you plan, pack, and travel. It might be as simple as: “My time off will make me a better leader” or “Vacation time is a strategic advantage.”

Or, if data motivates you: “After a vacation, 64% of people say they’re refreshed and excited to get back to work” (via Psychology Today).

Write your mantra somewhere visible—on a sticky note by your laptop, on your mirror, or even make it your phone’s lock screen.

3. Set Boundaries—and Actually Keep Them

A vacation only recharges you if you actually unplug. Working from a laptop on the beach or answering emails by the pool isn’t going to cut it.

If total disconnection feels unrealistic, set strict parameters: check in once a day for no more than 20–30 minutes, then lock your phone in the hotel safe. Better yet, only use your laptop from your hotel room if necessary.

4. Pack Your Days with Joy

One of the easiest ways to keep guilt at bay? Fill your itinerary with activities that demand your full attention. Book the dream trip. Cross something off your bucket list.

When your itinerary is filled with experiences you’ve been waiting years to have, work will naturally take a back seat—and, as Dady notes, you might be surprised at how little you worry about it.

The Bottom Line

Vacation guilt isn’t proof of commitment; it’s a performance liability. If you want to lead at your highest level, start treating rest like the strategic asset it is.

Block the time. Set the boundaries. Take the break you’ve earned. Your next big idea might just come with an ocean view.

Do you need help finding better harmony in your life? An Arootah Coach can help. Schedule a complimentary results call to learn more!