15 things successful people do over holiday breaks

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• The holiday season is upon us — meaning many Americans will be taking some time off from work.

• Business Insider looked into how everyone can make the most of a holiday break.

• Being intentional about your time and ensuring you're able to relax and unwind is key.

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The holidays are almost here, which means you might be looking forward to some time off from work.

While this time of year might be a bit chaotic, a break from work can offer you the chance to recharge and refocus.

However, it's crucial that you don't squander the opportunity.

Business Insider spoke with Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job" about what smart and driven professionals do when they're on break.

Here are 15 things that successful people do during breaks:

1. They have a plan

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"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."

2. They compartmentalize

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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.

3. They set boundaries

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"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.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider