Getting More from Your Time Off
Summertime is great for vacations, a time to relax and recharge. But for many they return to work more exhausted. Here are a few tips to feel energized after your vacation:
Plan ahead and inform your company early: Schedule far in advance, clear your calendar and coordinate back up. Having someone you trust to take care of business prevents anxiety and allows you to rest and relax.
Pick the right spot: The most restorative places for you depend on your personality. You might like water, mountains, and places to explore. You might want a beach and a good book. Research shows that what’s most important is finding a place that fascinates you, where you feel intrigued and inspired.
Pace yourself: Instead of trying to see as much as possible, plan 1-2 activities for each day and fill in the gap with walks, leisurely stops and unexpected pleasures, which can be the highlight of many trips.
Practice healthy habits: Eat whole foods, drink lots of water, walk as much as possible and limit your intake of alcohol. Alcohol disrupts sleep and dehydrates you. Don’t be obsessive about being healthy. I follow the 80/20 rule: 80% good and 20% not so good!
Unplug or semi-unplug: This can be more challenging for some than others. If you cannot totally disconnect from emails and messages, try limiting your plug-in time to two times per day for an hour each. Not only does that keep you in the moment the rest of the time, it also sets clear expectations for those back home and those who are with you.
Something to Think About
A recent study shows that 52% of Americans leave a total of 705 million vacation days on the table each year. Most indicated that they were worried about job security if they took their vacation time. Of those who took their vacations, 48% stayed at home. Those in the US are the most unlikely to take holiday time and truly disconnect from work while connecting with family or those we care about.
Weekly Activity
Do you have your vacation planned? Can you unplug and disconnect without the need to “check in”? Take the time now to cover your bases and find the right person to take care of business while you are away. If you have not planned a vacation this year, it’s not too late!
Words of Wisdom
It isn’t how much time you spend somewhere that makes it memorable: it’s how you spend the time. - David Brenner
Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer. - William S. Burroughs
The breaks you take form work pay you back manifold when you return because you come back with a fresher mind and newer thinking. Some of your best ideas come when you’re on vacation. - Gautam Singhania
The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it. - Sydney J. Harris
Travelling. It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. - Ibn Battuta