I recently returned from a whirlwind vacation to Denmark and I’m feeling revitalized and energized for life and work.
This is new for me considering that I usually return from vacation feeling drained and exhausted since my trips aren’t typically what one would consider relaxing (I tend to keep on the move in an effort to see and do as much as possible).
But this time it was different, as I felt a calm I haven’t experienced before.
It got me thinking about how to take vacations well.
Of course, we all have different needs and visions of what a good vacation is. For some, it’s sitting on the beach in Hawaii or another tropical paradise simply relaxing, while for others it may be tromping through different countries and experiencing new cultures and culinary delights.
Whatever your jam is, it shouldn't be the what of your vacation that matters most, it's the how.
We’ve all felt the stress of prepping for a trip; whether it’s getting the house cleaned before leaving, finding a dog/cat sitter, buttoning up work projects, or packing and realizing you don’t have the right shoes (that’s me!) … the list goes on.
Then we typically spend at least a full day traveling to our destination, exhausted from the long plane ride or disheveled from spending hours in the car.
Finally, we get to our destination only to discover that the hotel reservation we made months earlier was booked for the wrong day (again, I speak from personal experience here).
Then, finally, our vacation really begins. If we’re lucky, we proceed to do what we planned or expected to do and have as much fun as possible while creating new memories.
But inevitably, things don’t always live up to our expectations so we must be flexible and adapt to situations.
This can be stressful and exhausting – if we let it be.
If we want the full payoff, or our return on investment, we must learn how to vacation well so we come back full of renewed energy and with a clear vision of how to live and work in a way that allows us to be at our best.
Here are six ways you can vacation better that will make you more effective at life and work – and maybe even increase the likelihood of getting that raise or promotion you’ve been seeking.
1.Stress less
Vacation is NOT the time to stress.
Seriously though, our brains and bodies are so fatigued by the accumulative stress of our day-to-day lives that they need a break – so put the brakes on the stress!
When you start feeling stress creeping up on you, stop to notice the feelings and sensations in your body. Then take three deep breaths and ask yourself, “Is [insert whatever you are freaking out about] really important enough to take away from the joy of my vacation?”
While on vacation, it’s a great time to start new stress-relieving practices; you might consider starting a meditation practice every morning and afternoon. Read my previous blog post on how stress makes us stupid for a quick and easy mediation practice you can start right now.
2.Practice gratitude
Vacation is the perfect time to reflect on all the many things in your life you are grateful for.
Plus, being in a mindset of gratitude opens your energy up to possibility, which can result in ease and increase the chance of things working out for the better.
Being in a state of gratitude literally changes your brain chemistry, thereby giving you more positive emotions – and the more we do it, the more natural it becomes because new neural pathways are wired.
And if you start a meditation practice, you can incorporate a brief gratitude practice in it – so you can fill two needs with one deed.
3.Focus on joy
This is obvious, but your vacation should be centered around things that bring you lots of joy.
Whether it’s spending time with family or friends, adventuring in exotic places, laying on the beach, road tripping, or simply relaxing at home, if it brings you real joy, you’re all set.
Taking vacations out of obligation, guilt, or duty won’t do the trick – plain and simple.
4.Connect with your people
We are wired to connect – it’s in our DNA.
I don’t mean to connect with people via social media or with casual acquaintances, I mean real and deep connection with the people you care about, where you have mutual trust, respect and a deep knowing of each other to understand what truly matters to them and yourself.
When another person really sees us – not for who we want to be or think we should be, but for who we really are – it forms the foundation of connectedness and has a positive impact on our mental health and overall wellness.
So, what better time than during vacation to deeply see the people who matter most to you!
5.Disconnect from social media – or any media for that matter
We've all heard it before, social media is proving to have a significant negative impact on our mental health, including increasing stress and anxiety.
It’s highly addictive, impacts quality sleep, and tricks our brains into thinking we’re connecting with people, when we aren’t connecting in the way that brings us real and lasting joy (see above).
Now I’m not saying you should get off social media all together, but you might consider taking a break while on vacation.
See how it feels to not pick up your phone and “check in with the fans” every 30 minutes.
The first day or two it might be hard but it will get easier as the days go by, I promise.
6.Drink plenty of water and get quality sleep
The link between hydration and stress reduction is well documented.
Our organs need water, and when they don’t have enough, which is often, they get stressed.
This increases our cortisol levels, which is one of our bodies main stress hormones.
Luckily this is super easy to build a habit of, especially while on vacation when we’re out of the everyday routine.
Focus on drinking at least half your body weight in ounces during your next vacation – and if you’re so inclined, try to continue doing this when you return home.
The bottom line: Take vacations often and focus just as much on the how you take them as you do the where you’re going or what you’ll do.
And don’t get caught in the “I have to go big or go home” mindset.
By following these tips, even just taking a day or two away from the office, can decrease your stress and can lead to higher productivity at work and result in more success.