Ready to go on holiday, but the work seems to be piling up? All set to take off, but you can’t stop thinking about the amount of work that will be waiting for you when you get home? Tired of spending a week or two away, and feeling you have come home even more exhausted?
You might be approaching your holiday wrong, if you feel that the abovementioned applies to you. There are certain things you can do that will boost your experience, and help you de-stress, and I am not talking about spending a truck load of money on exotic destinations and top resorts. It’s all in the mindset, and here’s how to get into relaxation mode, and make the most of your holiday.
Avoid the work traps
Many tend to work extra hours before they set off, thus leaving more tired than they normally would have been. Don’t work right up to the time you need to leave. You need at least a day between work and getting on a plane or into the car, so your mind has time to switch from work mode to vacation mode. Don’t bring any work with you on the trip, not even the ride there.
Even if you have a job that might pile up while you are away, don’t try to avoid this by working in advance. Let your co-workers and clients know when you are on holiday, and take care of only the most important matters before you leave. Your work will have to get used to the fact that you need your rest, if you are to give it your best the rest of the time.
There are two opposite camps when it comes to checking your email while on vacation. If you feel you want to, you can, but don’t obsess over what is happening at the office. Give your work a rest. If you are a workaholic, just think of all those lovely emails that will have piled up while you were gone, and the fun you will have opening them when you get back.
Disconnect
And I mean from everything. The Internet, your job, the world. You don’t need to keep up with everything at all times. The world will not stop turning if you give it a rest for a week or so. Again, you will be able to enjoy it all when you get back, in fact, enjoy it more, now that you are well-rested and that you have recharged.
Book an all inclusive package
This does not need to be a splurge – you can find excellent all inclusive deals, and make good use of all the amenities that come with. You will be surprised at how much you end up saving, when you don’t need to be spending money on drinks and additional meals. An all inclusive holiday can be your treat for yourself, so choose your destination wisely. Don’t go somewhere you have already visited, get to know a new part of the world.
Create a vacation playlist
Before you leave, make a special playlist on your phone, something mellow that will get you in a good mood. Make sure it is not a playlist your colleague listens to at work, as you will be reminded of him, and not of your vacation. While you are away, make sure you listen to this playlist, thus making audio memories, which will help you relax when you get back home, and hear one of those songs.
End it on a high note
This one can be a bit tricky – don’t save the very best experience for the very last day of your trip. That way, getting back to reality will be even harder. However, do make sure you do something fun and memorable, like eat dinner at a special restaurant, and end your trip on a high note, that you will want to remember, but which will not have you dreading the next day.
Make sure you don’t go from the airport back to the office. You need at least a day to unwind, unpack, and get back into the zone. Going from the beach to the desk will have the wrong effect, and can even ruin your first days back.
Wherever you are going this year, make sure you make the most of your time there, unwind to the fullest and return home rejuvenated.