If you’re feeling burned out after successive weeks of work, then your holiday time might come as a welcome respite. But in some cases, a holiday abroad can create more stress than it dissipates. So, what practical steps can we take to ensure that our holiday time actually helps us to relax?
The Ultimate Guide to a Truly Relaxing Break
Preparation is Key: Setting Yourself Up for Success Before You Leave
Before you can step out of ‘work mode’, and actually go on holiday, there might be a number of small tasks that need to be taken care of. You might need to delegate a few key tasks in the office, or set up an automatic email response. You might want to get your home in order, so that you aren’t faced by a mountain of chores when you get back.
The more thorough you are, the less likely you are to be plagued by the feeling that you’ve forgotten something. This is a feeling that can seriously undermine your enjoyment of the break – so make sure that you don’t fall victim to it!
Minimising Decision Fatigue: Taking the ‘Work’ Out of Your Holiday
If you’re going to be personally planning every aspect of your holiday, then you can expect a significant mental workload. Some holidaymakers will appreciate the sense of control this gives them, and the opportunity to shape their break according to their specific needs. For others, it’s a burden that can be discarded.
You can simplify the planning stages by booking excursions in advance, and looking for guided tours and packages. You might find that the right all-inclusive holidays help you to truly switch off, and save money at the same time: you’ll get all of your meals, accommodation, and entertainment as part of the same bill, which can make your costs easier to manage.
Total relaxation at the Coco Beach Hotel in Togo
The Digital Detox: Reclaiming Your Time from Screens
Screen time can be a source of constant low-level stress, especially if it’s something that you resort to instinctively every time you’re bored. A holiday can be a great time to set boundaries. You might turn off your notifications, limit your use of social media, or even put your phone in a box, to be checked only a few times a day.
After all, a good holiday is one during which you’re present and mentally available. You won’t be able to enjoy the beach, the forest, or the old city centre you’re wandering through if your attention is constantly being drawn toward the screen of your smartphone. You might even consider booking a place at a special retreat that’s designed for digital detoxing.
Embracing the Art of Doing Nothing: The Secret to a Restorative Break
A relaxing break is often one during which you feel free to follow your instincts, and to do the things that really appeal to you, without the pressure of a crowded itinerary and a to-do list. This might mean setting aside time to do whatever you feel like doing on a given day – whether that’s reading a book, taking a nap, or lounging beside the pool.
Relaxing in the pool in Belize