Writing (and Mental Health) Don’t Stop, Even on Vacation

I brought my laptop on vacation—and I don’t regret it.

When I entered the workforce in the mid-2000s, it was normal to pack your work phone and laptop, even for vacation. The expectation was that you’d keep up with emails between hitting the beach and the pool.

Thankfully, that culture has shifted. Over the last decade, we’ve embraced the importance of truly disconnecting from work. After all, how can we maintain our mental health if we don’t actually take a break? We can’t.

But Here’s the Thing...

Today’s culture says: Leave your laptop at home.

But for some of us, it’s not that simple.

For some of us, not bringing the laptop creates more stress than having it. Sometimes, the laptop isn’t a symbol of work—it’s a creative outlet. Whether you use it or not, it’s about having the option. It’s about balance.

So yes, I brought it.

And no, I’m not a workaholic or a burned-out entrepreneur afraid to leave her business behind. I’m actually proud to say I haven’t had one of those “I can’t leave my business for a week” moments in a long time. (Thank you, Team LPC!)

Why I Brought It

Believe it or not, I write more than LinkedIn posts, newsletters, and website content. Not as often as I’d like, but I do write for myself.

Usually, it’s journaling—a key part of how I manage my mental health. But sometimes, I write blog posts, articles, or even pieces for future editors. Still, when you write for a living, it can be hard to write for fun. Any creative can relate: you give so much to your work that, by the end of the day, your brain needs to detox.

But something changes when I’m on vacation.

Vacation Mode = Inspiration Mode

When I’m away from planning our weekly dinners and cranking through to-do lists, I feel more inspired. I want to write. The challenge is that I’ve grown accustomed to writing on my laptop. The idea of hand-writing something beyond a quick journal entry? Not appealing. And typing on my phone with my sausage fingers? Nope.

I do my best writing on my laptop. And I feel most inspired when my mind is clear.

So this time, I brought the laptop to see how it would go.

So…How Did It Go?

I started—and almost finished—this very article. Beyond that, I didn’t do much personal writing at all.

But I don’t regret it.

Having my laptop made airport delays less stressful. I got a few work things done, which helped me feel settled both at the beginning and end of the trip. And I got a little writing in before the heat and long days drained my brainpower.

Final Thought

Do I wish I had done more? Nope. I did what felt best for me, and that’s all that matters.

Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Neither is vacation, for that matter. Maybe you leave the laptop at home. Maybe bringing it gives you peace of mind. Either way, listen to what works for you.

For me, a little writing, a lot of sunshine, and TONS of sunblock did the trick.

Writing on the balcony of our cruise, somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean.