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Leaving Work BEHIND
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Set an out-of-office automated reply that includes a coworker’s contact information—not your own. If customers or other employees need assistance while you’re away, ask a coworker to cover for you and include their email address in your out-of-office auto reply. When you do this, “you don’t feel like you have to worry since someone else is taking care of your business while you’re gone,” says Mitchell. (The Expedia survey also found that 63
(Cont.)
percent of Americans add their own cell phone numbers to their out-of-office auto replies. Don’t be one of them!) Leave your phone in your room. You may be tempted to bring your phone when visiting local attractions for quick family photos, selfies, and social media posts. However, Mitchell says, we often end up checking our work email or responding to job-related texts and calls. If you have trouble separating work and play, consider
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THE MAP FOR
NAPS
A new baby often means little sleep for new parents. In fact, a recent study of German families found that parents’ sleep not only significantly declined following the first three months of childbirth but also, in some cases, took six years to return to normal. After babysitting her cousin’s 8-month-old for a weekend, Naples resident Jenica Blechschmidt realized an app might help. Soon, Lovebug was born. Instead of reading long books that offer, as Blechschmidt puts it, “a degree in baby sleep,” the handy app provides a simplified, personalized approach. “We give every family turn-by-turn directions on how to help their baby learn to sleep,” she says. Lovebug adjusts to different ages and to changes in sleep schedules, such as when your baby is sick or during family vacations. The app can also track other aspects of your baby’s health and includes video lessons that teach about sleep habits to keep improving rest. “When you haven’t slept for a couple days, you’re a different person,” says Blechschmidt. “We get calls from people talking about how we’ve changed their lives.” (getlovebug.com)
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designating one person in your group to carry their phone, or try bringing a separate camera. Schedule time for working. Sometimes, work is unavoidable. But, that doesn’t mean it needs to constantly interfere with your trip. If you’re needed on the job, Mitchell suggests checking emails and completing tasks at designated times that minimally affect your vacation, like while your companions are asleep. The rest of the time, relax and enjoy your days off.
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30 YEARS STARTED WITH A
SINGLE STEP
Walking has many health benefits, and you don’t have to do it alone. The Naples Walking Club meets several times per week and has for decades. “I just walk for the love of it and just taking in the beauty,” says Margo Peyrot, one of the club’s original members and a former club president. “You can’t imagine what you’ll see when you walk. You miss so much driving in the car.” Peyrot, who’s now 94, walked with the club until a few years ago when she started having trouble maintaining their pace. She now continues to walk on her own but keeps up with the club in other ways, including through attending their thirtieth anniversary celebration this year. “It’s still growing, and I’m so delighted that the younger ones are taking over,” she says, noting that the club has expanded to more than 70 members. She has decades of memories with close friends in the club doing everything from hiking to volunteering to going on trips—and, of course, walking. “When you’re walking and talking,” she notes, “it’s just a great way to get to know somebody.” (nplswkgclub.clubexpress.com)
NAPLES ILLUSTRATED
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