DiscoverTruth, Lies and Work219. What is holiday anxiety - and why can’t we switch off? With clinical psychologist, Dr Elaine Smith
219. What is holiday anxiety - and why can’t we switch off? With clinical psychologist, Dr Elaine Smith

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

Update: 2025-07-31
Share

Description

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 real
Dr. 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 work
From 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 cultures
We 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 return
Why 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?



🧠 Support with Mental Health and Well-being


– Mind UK: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/
– Samaritans (UK): Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org


📬 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: hello@truthliesandwork.com
– Book a call: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat



Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

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

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

HubSpot Podcast Network