Laptop closed, off to the beach. What is a dream for many can be part of everyday life. Carado spoke to mental health expert Dominique de Marné about the benefits of workation and tips for getting started with a motorhome.
Work where others go on holiday. The term "workation" - a combination of the words "work" and "holiday" - is attracting more and more people to holiday destinations. The idea behind this is that a lot of work can be done digitally and from any location. So why not relocate your workplace to a place of longing? After all, remote working has become an integral part of many fields of work since the pandemic.
NEW PERSPECTIVES PROVIDE INSPIRATION
The advantages of workation are numerous. Firstly, a change of location brings new perspectives. And with it new inspiration and motivation. "Seeing something different, different stimuli, going to work with a different mindset - that's what our brain needs. Otherwise it gets into a daily rut, which impairs creativity," says mental health expert Dominique de Marné. She is the founder of the Mental Health Crowd. Based on her own experiences with mental illness, her goal is to ensure social openness and support for those affected.
WHY WORKATION IS REPLACING THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE
But even if the topic has gained more attention: There are still many prejudices. However, mental health goes hand in hand with physical health. Dominique de Marné explains: "Just as physical health describes physical integrity, mental health is the other half. They are mutually dependent". This is particularly important at work. "The working environment, how we are treated there, the meaningfulness of our work, how much control we have, stress: all of this has an impact on mental health, both positive and negative," says the expert. She therefore rejects the term work-life balance: "Work-life balance separates work from life. That doesn't work. The close transition from work to quality leisure time is an invaluable battery recharger". The Workation concept, in particular, therefore offers harmony.
THE MOBILE HOME: MOBILE OFFICE AS AN IDEAL WORKPLACE
One thing is clear: the self-determination that a workation brings with it can lead to a healthier state of mind and therefore more conscious working. But anyone who can imagine such a working holiday should think carefully about how to implement it. Hotels and Airbnb's are often associated with costs and the feeling of being a stranger. A motorhome can be an ideal alternative. Those who love freedom can create their own personal space here.
INDIVIDUALISM IN THE WORKPLACE
Dominique de Marné is particularly impressed by the individualism of a motorhome workstation. "I can plan a change of scenery as the mood takes me, depending on whether I want to go to the beach, the mountains, the forest or the nearest old town". She herself has already travelled with a Carado and reports: "For me, the Carado T457 as a mobile office is the perfect combination of both worlds, work and private. The spaciousness was a big plus. The sliding door allowed me to separate my work area from my daughter's sleeping area. The visual separation helps to differentiate between work and leisure. After work, I could simply store my work materials in the overhead storage cupboard and switch to holiday mode."
THE BASIS OF SELF-ASSESSMENT
This requires trust and self-organisation. After all, if you work in a pleasant environment, you really have to be able to call up your work performance. "Some people have the necessary discipline to be able to focus everywhere. You have to know yourself well". When choosing a location, it is also important to pay attention to available internet connections and different time zones.
CONCLUSION:
FREEDOM CREATES HEALTH
Workation can therefore be worthwhile for both sides of an employment relationship. After all, we bring our inner life to work. Or as Dominique de Marné summarises: "Where there's a person, there's always mental health". For those for whom personal freedom is important, the motorhome could provide important impetus. Because one thing is certain: those who can develop their full potential live healthier lives. And that should always be the top priority.
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