Do you know how long it takes for your mind to catch up and go on vacation with the rest of your body? Most people don’t just shut off on their vacation, even those who are on burnout, which is a stress-related state.
When you don’t give your mind a break you become like an overloaded computer – you get slower and slower and slower. In fact, most people spend their weekends busy. Though different from work time, weekends are not necessarily our down time. People are doing home projects, running errands, going places with the family, maintaining personal hygiene, etc. Watching the kids is not down time!
Taking time off from your daily life gives you a break allowing you to return to your life refreshed and able to handle whatever comes. But people who are always on the go can’t just stop. Nevertheless, without downtime, the mind becomes less productive.
The Average Type A personality can’t tolerate being away for more than a week. So it is essential to know yourself. And know your travel partner. When you’re traveling know whom you are traveling with. Maybe you like to shop but they don’t want to step foot in a store. Try to discuss these things before you leave.
If you’re an insomniac at home you’ll take that with you.
If you’re used to getting up at early in the morning, your system will be out of order when you’re trying to sleep in.
It takes 3 days minimum to let your mind go. That means that if you are going on a 7-day cruise you’ll be at least halfway into your vacation when you begin to unwind. If it is possible, let your vacation be a weeklong plus one additional workday.
10 Steps to Return From Vacation Without Being Exhausted:
- Disconnect a day before you leave from the stresses of everyday life. Allow a full day of disconnect.
- Don’t leave packing until the last minute. Have your suitcases ready at least 24 hours before you plan to leave your home.
- Pack lightly. Don’t take more than you need. You can always have clothes cleaned.
- Make sure you carry on all medications, and hard-to replace clothing. If you’re going to the beach make sure you carry on a bathing suit; if you’re going hiking, wear your boots, etc. Lost luggage is difficult to deal with. Having to spend money or time you don’t have replacing necessary items is worse.
- Plan to get a full night sleep every night. Through tempting, do not schedule yourself from morning to night. Many people have the urge to do and see everything possible which is exhausting.
- Do not answer cell phones or check e-mails. Leave your job at work.
- Get a temporary cell phone to call your family or for emergencies, only.
- Reconfirm hotel reservations before you leave. It is far easier to correct inaccurate reservations from home than argue when you arrive.
- Do not over plan. Avoid what I call the ‘all you can eat” attitude. Through tempting, do not schedule yourself from morning to night. Many people have the urge to do and see everything possible which is exhausting.
- Don’t fly or drive home at the last possible moment. Arrive home at least 24 hours before you return to work. Give yourself at least one full day at home before returning to work. If you have been flying your immune system is weaker, you are adjusting to a time change, etc. Drink plenty of water. Acclimate back to your week. Don’t answer the phone or connect online for a pre-determined amount of time – say 4 hours or if you can one full day.
By Elyse Friedman Caiello and Sarah Ferman
