Photo by Johnny Africa on Unsplash

Ah, vacation — that dreamy stretch of time when hammocks, sunsets, and slow mornings call louder than Slack notifications. But for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and self-employed professionals, truly unplugging can feel like a luxury we can’t afford.

You’re running the show, juggling clients, invoices, and innovation. Can you really hit pause without everything falling apart? More importantly — should you?

Let’s explore what science, experience, and a bit of Finnish perspective say about whether it’s worth trying to fully disconnect — and how realistic that is when you’re building something of your own.

What Science Says: Your Brain on Vacation

Numerous studies confirm that fully detaching from work improves mental health, reduces burnout, and boosts long-term performance. A study from the University of Tampere found that employees who completely disconnect during vacation return with better sleep, increased energy, and stronger problem-solving abilities.

It’s not just about taking a break — it’s about how you take it.

Checking email “just once a day” keeps your stress cycle active.
It’s like sleeping with one eye open — your mind never fully switches off.

A study by Sonnentag & Fritz (2015) backs this up: psychological detachment during leisure time is closely linked to reduced emotional exhaustion and improved well-being.

And as Harvard Business Review points out, vacations only restore your energy if you truly disconnect. Otherwise, you’re just working from a prettier location.

🇫🇮 Finland’s Reality: Entrepreneurs Unplug Less

A 2022 Aalto University study revealed that Finnish entrepreneurs often engage in less off-work recovery compared to employees. Why? Because the mental load of self-employment doesn’t clock out at 4 PM.

The pressure to keep things moving — client work, social media, invoices, planning — is constant. But ironically, the risk of burnout increases because they don’t recover like salaried workers.

So if you’ve been feeling guilty about needing a break, or struggling to justify one, know this: you’re not alone — and it’s not weakness. It’s an occupational hazard, and there are real tools to prevent it.

“No Shoes, No News”: Why It Works

Luxury resorts worldwide now embrace the “no shoes, no news” philosophy: ditch the dress code, silence the phone, and stop doomscrolling.

This isn’t just branding — it’s backed by science. According to Attention Restoration Theory by Kaplan & Kaplan (1989), natural, distraction-free environments help your brain recover from cognitive fatigue. It’s why you feel better after a forest walk, even if you didn’t solve anything concrete.

And here in Finland, where nature is always close, we’re in the perfect place to tap into that healing power — no flights required.

Is It Realistic for Business Owners?

We get it — unplugging sounds great, but in reality?

You’re the engine of your business. There’s no team to delegate to. You can’t just walk away.

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Here’s how realistic, sustainable disconnection can look for solopreneurs, freelancers, and founders:

🔔 Set boundaries before you leave

Notify clients ahead of time. Use an email auto-responder. Set Slack to “away.” Clear communication prevents surprises.

🧩 Time-box your communication

If you must check in, schedule a 15-minute check-in window. Don’t keep your inbox open all day.

🤖 Automate the basics

Use scheduling tools (like Buffer, Notion, or Calendly). Create autoresponders. Pre-schedule social posts.

📅 Schedule a re-entry buffer

Block the first day back for admin and catching up. Don’t jump into high-stakes meetings or deliverables.

🌿 Change your workspace

Even if you’re staying local, a change of scenery — like working from a quiet coworking space — can do wonders.

Vacation Vibes Without Leaving Town

Let’s be honest: a tropical escape isn’t always feasible. But a mental vacation is possible — right here in Helsinki or Espoo.

Imagine a space where:

• You’re not interrupted by dishes, laundry, or deliveries.
• You’re surrounded by focused, like-minded people.
• You can power through work, then truly disconnect.

That’s not a fantasy. That’s a well-designed coworking experience.

Try a Summer Reset with Wonderland Coworking

This summer, we’re helping entrepreneurs, creatives, and solo professionals take a step back — without falling behind.

Introducing our 10-Day Summer Pass:

🌼 Includes:
✅ 10 full coworking days
✅ 10 healthy lunches
✅ Sunny terrace + relaxed atmosphere
✅ Creative, supportive community
✅ Access to both our Helsinki and Espoo locations

Whether you’re looking to break routine, beat burnout, or find fresh inspiration, we’ve got the space (and the snacks) for you.

Final Thought: You Deserve to Recharge

Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Creativity, clarity, and resilience grow in the space between sprints — not from working yourself into the ground.

So take the break.
Even a small one.
Even just a change of pace.

Your business will thank you — and so will your brain.

Ready to recharge, rethink, and reboot?
Join us at Wonderland this summer.
 Visit wonderlandwork.fi