Leave your team ready to continue in your absence. Before your vacation, spend the previous week making sure everyone else has what they need to do their jobs well. With everyone else able to continue getting the work done, you do not need to worry about it yourself. [2] X Research source
Your plan should be specific. Include precisely what work will get done and when you will do it. [3] X Research source Part of the stress of leaving work is the uncertainty about work that still needs doing. Your plan will help remove that uncertainty.
Specify that you will not be able to check your e-mail for the entire duration of your time off work. This will help give you the freedom from feelings of obligation to check and respond to messages. [4] X Research source Setting up the auto-reply message will depend on the e-mail client you use. Regardless, it is a simple process.
Leave behind any physical work (e. g. paperwork), in the office. If you take it with you, you will feel pressured to work on it. If you’re really inclined to bring work home, lock it into your filing cabinet or cupboard at work and give a co-worker the key. Tell them to give the key back to you only when you return to work.
Sticking to a routine will help get your brain in the mindset that it is time to sleep. Turn off lights, leave your electronic devices in another room and shut the shades or curtains. Remove as many distractions as possible to help get sufficient sleep. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Studies have shown that as little as 20 minutes of exercise per day helps encourage relaxation[7] X Research source
Get a massage. Massages help your mind to relax, in addition to your muscles [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Take a hot bath. [9] X Research source
Do puzzles, crosswords, and play board games. You’ll enjoy the different sort of intellectual stimulation. Spend some time learning a new hobby like knitting or playing a musical instrument. Completely engaging our mind in something actually helps us to relax. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to source
Take an afternoon and finally clean our your basement or attic. Put photos from your last trip in a photo album.
Try making a new food or dish you have been wanting to try. Play some board games for a fun group activity
You do not have to leave a full day later or a full day sooner. Even considering the time of day you will leave or return can make a big difference. [11] X Research source
At night, keep screens off and phones away from the bedside. The light from devices can throw off your sleep cycles. [12] X Research source
Take the time to do one thing per day and enjoy it, instead of rushing around to several attractions just to have seen them. [14] X Research source As you go through your week off, assess your feelings and make sure that you’re happy with what you’re doing. Sometimes we do stuff without being really aware of how it makes us feel. Try being more conscious in your decisions and activities. [15] X Expert Source Carolyn Rubenstein, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 9 September 2021.
Studies also show that experiences tend to lead to more happiness than material things. Focus less time on getting the photos and souvenirs. Instead, focus on being in the moment an experiencing things. [16] X Research source
This will also help you avoid instances where social media overlaps with work, and therefore brings you back into the work world. Consider destinations that do not have good cellular service, data connectivity, and internet access. Although it can feel odd to be disconnected, it also helps you relax. [17] X Research source
You do not need to try things well outside your comfort zone. Instead, choose something that sounds enjoyable and fun. [18] X Expert Source Carolyn Rubenstein, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 9 September 2021. You don’t need to push yourself. Just do something new. [19] X Research source
