TONno sabbatico, lost time or time for itself? According to the latest data, the idea of taking a break from one’s life and work is onevery widespread need, not only among young people but also among those who already have a job. But what are the advantages of a sabbatical year? «The advantage of being able to afford such evident detachment from the usual routine is linked to the fact that it can represent theThe only opportunity to try to follow really and radically different life paths. The sabbatical year can be aOccasion of training and learningthanks to the attendance of professional courses »explains the Dr. Elisa Stefanati Psychotherapist at the Aesthe Medical Poliambulatorio in Ferrara.
Sabbatic year, what is it about?
An investigation conducted by‘Inapp highlighted that 73% of young people between 15 and 28 do not have clear ideas about their future and what they want to “do as big”. In this perspective, having the opportunity to take a year, or even just a few months, a sabbatical in which to put order between your ideas and above all to make other experiences can be of great help. But this need is not only present among young people, on the contrary.
“With the arrival of the end of summer, many feel the need for a break from the daily routine. The sabbatical year, traditionally associated with students or young professionals, is becoming more and more widespread also between adults and expert workers, precisely because it offers the opportunity to recharge energyreflect on one’s goals and live experiences other than ordinary ones »explains the Dr. Lorenzo Giacomi, psychologist, clinical psychologist and sexologist, available for consultations also on the MioDotore platform. In short, the break from one’s life is not wasted time, quite the contrary. «The sabbatical year, also known as” gap year “or” career break “in Anglo -Saxon countries, is one Very widespread practice abroad But that is starting to take hold in our country too. It is a period during which workers have the possibility of temporarily interrupt the work, without risking losing the place, although not perceiving any salary»Continues Dr. Stefanati.
How to organize the sabbatical year
But in practice, what does it consist of? The approaches, as experts explain, can be different. If you already have a job, it could be done flexiblely, so as to have more time from dedicate to one’s own interests or needs and needs; In the case of young people, the sabbatical year can be managed with greater freedom as long as experiences that can lead to greater self -awareness are undertaken. Taking volunteer, getting in touch with new cultures, living abroad experiences, supporting humanitarian organizations or embarking on well -being or environmental paths, are all experiences that strengthen self -knowledge, as well as enriching the baggage of personal experiences.
“Surely these are opportunities to invest in himself and to live quality time. A period of pause is a way to understand each other better but also to redefine your goals, from the career to the path of study but also to exploit her skills »explains Dr. Stefanati to whom Dr. Giaomi echoes, which specifies:”The benefits of this break are not immediately visible, but manifest themselves over time: greater mental clarity, ability to make more aware decisions, reduction of stress and chronic fatigue. In addition, many people discover hidden passions or talents and acquire one new perspective on one’s career and on life in general». The sabbatical year is therefore theopportunity also to avoid any burn out but also to refine their skills and reinforce the network of contacts.
The gap year a luxury?
But is the sabbatical year a luxury that only few can afford? “Taking a gap year is not necessarily a luxury, but an opportunity to expand your awarenessan investment in one’s well -being, in the future and in one’s own personal development. If you want to find your balance by exploring the world, all this allows you to observe others and ourselves from other perspectives, increasing confidence with ourselves and making us more complete people “explains the psychologist.
“It is definitely a moment that In practice it must be planned very well, for this reason it may not be a luxury for a few nor does it necessarily have to last a yearcan only be a few months. However, it becomes essential when you are in crisis, when you start to question many aspects of your life, when you need different stimuli. In this case, therefore, the sabbatical year is not a luxury as often aneed that helps to return new energy and perhaps even to have new possibilities“Concludes Dr. Giacomi.