Let’s face it, sometimes preparing and catching up after the vacations is super stressful. With a society that relies on technology and the pressures of work and responsibility, is it possible to relax during the vacations?
From preparing your daily life before leaving for vacation, to stressing about business needs during your stay, and piling up guilt and worry that you’ll be buried under responsibilities when you return; for many, relaxing on vacation is a tireless task that leaves you less refreshed and overwhelmed. After all, shape or form, was this the result of the vacations. Holidays are a time to let go of responsibility. For a moment of escape, relax and recharge your batteries. So how do we achieve this state of euphoria?
The following 10 steps are a guide to help you master the art of stepping back and totally relaxing on vacation:
1. Choose Destinations Wisely
Do you crave adventure or serenity? Choosing a destination is the essence of your escape. When you close your eyes and imagine yourself someplace, what do you see? For some, their calling may be tropical and relaxed vibes. For others, they want to be one with nature and explore the outdoors. Everyone has a different definition of what a vacation is like. It is important to choose a destination that suits you and your need for relaxation. You do not want to choose a place that will force you to need a vacation, after your vacation.
2. Prepare Your Departure
This step can be as easy or as complex as you make it out to be. You do not want to prepare so much that it’ll stress yourself out. But on the other hand, you do not want to worry about every little detail while you are away. Think about how long you’ll be away and any major responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Typically primary responsibilities fall into four categories: life responsibilities (kids and pets), financial responsibilities, security and business responsibilities.
3. Check Your Ego at the Door
Once you are ready to take on all the major responsibilities of everyday life, remember that even although you’re a very special human being, life will go on without you. Now, your job, home life, or day-to-day things may not go the way you planned, but you should trust that your support system will do its part to manage these responsibilities while you’re away.
4. Embrace Natural Routines
Now that you have selected a destination and covered all of your bases, you are on vacation! This is the time where you set your own rules. There’s no such thing as a 9-5 vacation. Don’t be tempted to wake up, check e-mail, work, and then join in on vacation activities. You must get into a new natural routine. It means let yourself sleep, take a walk on the beach, have breakfast, try a new activity, visit a distant village, or do nothing at all. There aren’t any rules. This is your time to embrace a new “vacation routine” where you decide how you spend your time.
5. Disconnect
Force yourself to disconnect from all technology. Silly and straightforward as it sounds, this is a difficult task. Remember the days when you packed a Walkman and a disposable camera? Those days are long gone with accessibility to Wi-Fi and wireless devices. According to a study59% of Americans check e-mail and receive phone calls while on vacation. Other research tells us that 73% of individuals believe their device contributes to stress in their life. To truly relax and de-stress, you need to disconnect from technology.
I understand that we now live in a world where we depend on our devices, and in some ways technology can enhance your vacation. But, do not go crazy about sharing your every move on Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram. Refrain from checking e-mail, or responding to phone calls and text messages. Install an out of office auto response in your e-mail account. Or better yet, turn off your phone, leave it in your room and let your mind totally cut off.
6. Open Minded
If you have ever been on vacation, you will understand that you must pack your patience. It is inevitable that things won’t go according to plan. This is part of the travel experience. No adventure is complete without a crazy story about the time you missed your flight, lost your baggage, or the resort upgraded you to the presidential suite. Not all accidents are negative. Keeping an open mind will add to your overall experience.
7. Don’t Over Schedule
There’s nothing worse than going on a vacation to relax but then needing a vacation just to recover from the experience. Our daily lives are jam-packed with so many appointments, meetings, and scheduled shifts; why put yourself through more?
To strike a balance between relaxing and avoiding boredom, plan a mixture of activities that incorporate rest periods. Whether it is a walk, a massage, or another outing you’d like to participate in, try to alternate between scheduling days.
8. Don’t Seduce Yourself with Work
As tempting as it may be, do not be tempted by the idea of checking your e-mail or trying to get some work done. As soon as you arrive at the airport on your way home, get to work as you please. But until then, you are on vacation. That means deciding totally. You have planned and ready for your absence. Work will be there when you get home (or will be handled by the people you put in control of).
9. Plan More Frequent and Shorter Trips
Sometimes going for whole weeks at a time is simply too much for some people. Instead of planning one big trip a year, try organizing smaller, more frequent escapes. A staycation for a long weekend can be just as refreshing as a long week. This can be an incredible option for people who cringe or stress over the idea of being gone for weeks on end. Planning more frequent trips can even reduce cases of work or emotional burnout.
10. Live in the Now
you are on vacation; this means it’s your time to escape from all of your daily pressures. In most cases, you visit new places, taste new dishes and see new sights. It’s time to accept it all! Enjoy yourself and live in the moment, because soon you’ll be thrown back into reality.
Contributed By: Candice Naysan is the Co-founder of Wrapped In A Cloud, a line of customized luxury products. As Candice reached her 20s, her friends started marrying, giving birth, and achieving other milestones. She found herself looking for the “perfect gift” but finding it difficult to find quality, personalised products. From his love of warm, luxurious and must-have items – the company was born.
