219. What is holiday anxiety - and why can’t we switch off? With clinical psychologist, Dr Elaine Smith

31/07/2025 41 min Episodio 219
219. What is holiday anxiety - and why can’t we switch off? With clinical psychologist, Dr Elaine Smith

Listen "219. What is holiday anxiety - and why can’t we switch off? With clinical psychologist, Dr Elaine Smith "

Episode Synopsis

This week we’re breaking down the science behind switching off — and how to finally reclaim your holidays. From boundary-setting to return-to-work anxiety, clinical psychologist Dr. Elaine Smith shares what it really takes to disconnect (without guilt).



🔥 What We Cover



📌 Email addiction is realDr. Elaine explains why our brains are wired to check messages — even on holiday — and how to break that cycle with simple psychological strategies.



📌 Setting better boundaries at workFrom crystal-clear out-of-office messages to handling pushy colleagues, Elaine lays out exactly how to protect your time off without burning bridges.



📌 Toxic holiday culturesWe hear from a listener who was told to check emails daily while on leave — and got angry messages when they didn’t. Elaine breaks down what’s really happening in these workplaces and how to respond.



📌 The secret to a smooth returnWhy your return-to-work inbox shouldn’t ruin your last two days off — and Elaine’s practical plan for managing the emotional spike that comes with coming back.



🎧 Want more from Dr. Elaine Smith?



Explore her work: www.drelainesmith.com




Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elaine-smith-creating-compassionate-workplaces/




Try her Holiday Headspace masterclass:https://www.drelainesmith.com/beat-annual-leave-anxiety
Use code truthlieswork20 for 20% off (normally £39)




🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being

– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email [email protected]

📬 Connect with Al & Leanne
– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork– Al Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott– Leanne Elliott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne– Email: [email protected]– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat

More episodes of the podcast Truth, Lies and Work