Well, I ‘m back now from 2 1/2 weeks in Cumbria. This time I was determined not to do any work at all and see if it is easier than dipping in and out and returning to a smaller “in tray”.

Well, I did not check my work email and I was reached by 2 texts that staff deemed most urgent, on the days I had to switch my molbiel on to book activities.

So , how many emails awaited me? Answer, 215, almost all of which I dealt with today on the bank holiday. I reckon it would have taken 2 or 3 days with the interruptions at work had I waited until tomorrow.

And did I relax more – most definitely. I do think, however, that when everybody else is on holiday ie height of summer or xmas time, it works better.

Tomorrow I will face the real mail piled up in my tray!