How to Enjoy a Vacation
Vacations, at their finest, provide a true escape, a refreshing break from our daily routines. However, far too frequently we return no more relaxed, and even more fatigued, than when we left.
A 2015 poll of over 2,000 working adults discovered that 62 percent of respondents experienced moderate or very high stress levels during their vacations. Research shows that you will return feeling less worried, fatigued, and unhappy, and more pleased and energized, when you plan your vacation carefully. Here’s how to make your holiday work for you rather than against you.
Before you even depart for the airport, you should begin the relaxation process. This can be accomplished by creating rituals and routines that serve to ground you and protect you from the stress that is sure to return. These should be done before, during, and after the trip.
Your destination is critical. There are few locations on earth where relaxation comes naturally. Consider the Caribbean islands. This region is ideal for anyone seeking a relaxed beach holiday. If you are looking to create a pleasant getaway, take the time to consider your options before booking.
Cramming as many events and sights as possible into each day is a sure way to ruin a trip. While FOMO (fear of missing out) is a legitimate concern when traveling, the last thing you want to do is overbook your holiday. Pace yourself to avoid itinerary-induced worry. Concentrate on experiences rather than ticking items off a list of top 10 attractions. Quality over quantity should be your goal. Make a list of “must-see” and “would-like-to-see” destinations when putting together your itinerary. This way, you can spend your time in a way that will not make you feel like you have to see and do “everything.”
The ability of nature to calm and heal us cannot be overstated. The American Heart Association suggests spending time outside to alleviate stress and anxiety and improve general mental health. Furthermore, a 2014 study published in Frontiers in Psychology discovered a high correlation between individuals’ sense of connection to nature and their positive energy and overall life satisfaction compared to those who felt less connected to nature. With this in mind, make sure you allow for time spent outside between museum visits and other indoor attractions.
When it comes to taking a relaxing vacation, work is the number one item that can get in the way. While you do not have to abandon your phone entirely, if possible turn off all work-related applications. Distance yourself from these responsibilities mentally, establish boundaries for yourself by activating the email autoresponder, and unwind.
An excellent trip will leave you rested, rejuvenated, and re-energized. That post-holiday glow can last a while, unless you schedule a red-eye trip with long layovers on your return flight.
Transitioning back to work will be hard enough — avoid making it more difficult by putting yourself through stressful travel conditions, especially if you are due back at the office early the next day. Ideally, arrange your return so that you have at least one if not two days to unwind and decompress before returning to work.
