The best time of the year is here again—vacation begins. It’s time to detach from work and focus on what you enjoy most. Perhaps you set sail and let the wind carry you across blue waves, or retreat to the tranquility of a cabin, knowing there’s nowhere you need to be.
However you choose to spend your vacation, expect a whirlwind of emotions: relief, satisfaction, excitement, closeness, peace, and rest. But often also disappointment, frustration, outbursts, arguments, and unfulfilled expectations. After a year of hard work, vacationing can feel like an art form. Here are some tips to make your holiday the best it can be.
A good vacation begins before it starts
Listen to yourself—what do you want to do on your vacation? Make plans accordingly. Compare your ideal vacation to reality—family, finances, available time, and other circumstances set their own boundaries.
What is possible within these limits? What is most important? Overly high expectations ruin many vacations. Aim for the best possible, but maintain the attitude: “This is good; we’ll go with this!“
When your vacation starts, try to shift your time perspective. In work life, we constantly plan for the future. On vacation, try to live one moment at a time. This moment will be missed if your mind is already in the future. If you’re sitting at the end of a pier but already thinking about dinner, the pier moment passes you by. So, tell yourself often: “Here and now.” And forget about future moments. The best moment is right now.
Pay close attention to your emotions
Stress and a full calendar are known to dull our emotional life. On vacation, emotions awaken again. Listen to what they tell you. At work, constant peak performance is often expected, but that’s impossible without recharging and recovery.
Emotions can be energizing, draining, or restorative. For example, enthusiasm and pride energize; frustration and anger drain energy; satisfaction, relief, and “wow!” experiences restore resources. One of the first signs of burnout is the disappearance of pleasure, and conversely, experiences of pleasure are the best remedy against exhaustion.
Also, remember these:
- Try to take vacation in long enough stretches.
Often, the first week is just about shifting into vacation mode. - Practice micro-recovery.
Take one deep breath, exhale slowly, and release all tension. Feel the sensation of relief. Do this several times a day. - Make space just for yourself.
Especially for those with families, it’s helpful if both parents can arrange some solo time—if at all possible. - If you’re worried about your energy levels, ask yourself:
“When was the last time I truly felt relaxed and rested?”
If you feel that way at least once a week—say, after a weekend—you’re probably doing okay. But if you almost never feel that way, not even after a holiday, it’s time to take your situation seriously. - As your vacation nears its end, reflect on what was best about it. Vacationing is a skill you can develop.
But learning requires that you reflect and take something with you from the experience.
Wishing you a truly restful holiday!
