Get excited (and prepared) for an upcoming vacation
Everyone needs a break now and then. Even when you’re working a dream job, it’s important to have time off to unwind and get refreshed. But sometimes it’s not enough to simply go on a vacation and leave everything else behind. Recognize that it will take some preparation to detach from your responsibilities, and you’ll be able to transition into vacation mode that much more smoothly. Below are some tips to help you do just that.
Know what your plan is. The best way to get excited for a trip is to plan the first things you’ll do when you arrive. Will it be a whirlwind tour of all the sights? Or are you planning on maximizing your poolside time? However you decide to spend your vacation, it’s helpful to figure out your itinerary before you touch down at your destination. You’ll feel more prepared and you’ll have something to look forward to.
Arrange care for PPM. This abbreviation represents three important things you absolutely must have a plan for before leaving your home for vacation. It stands for pets, plants, and mail. Each of these elements need attending to while you’re away, but fortunately, if you have a pet sitter, he or she may be able to take care of it all.
Take care of your work, and your home. Wrap up anything at work that has the potential to stay on your mind during vacation, and leave a plan for any colleagues who may take on your workload in your absence. At home, try to tidy things up. Coming home to a cleaner space can help you keep the relaxed feeling you achieved while on vacation. But don’t let the act of cleaning stress you out. Focus on essential things, like clearing out the refrigerator, and leave the organization of your sock drawer for another time.
Prepare to disconnect. It isn’t enough to physically get away these days. Given how connected we all are to the world around us, it’s important to acknowledge that to feel truly recharged and ready to face the real world once we get back, we need some time away from devices, too. Let your friends, coworkers and loved ones know that you will not be reachable 24/7; set aside a small amount of time every day to check email and social media (though this isn’t necessary in all cases), and let a select few people know when you will be able to talk. Part of the point of being on vacation is to get away from the potential hassles of daily life, and turning off some communications helps you do that more fully.
Always take time to relax. Remember that you did all you could to make sure everything at home would be fine while you’re away, and it probably will be. Before even leaving for your trip, take time a few days in advance to shift yourself into a different mindset. This way you’ll have no trouble kicking back once you’re actually on vacation!
How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect, Stress-Free Vacation [Huffington Post]
How to Prepare to Go on a Vacation [USA Today]
The Start to Finish Guide to a Perfect, Stress-Free Vacation [LifeHacker]