By Catherine Conelly, Sheknows
Yes, we can make vacations relaxing again
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There was a time not that long ago when people didn't travel
everywhere with a cellphone. It wasn't even until the '90s when
accessing our email on our cellphones became a possibility. I'm no
doctor or anything, but I'm pretty sure constantly being connected is
the new cancer. It's stressing us the heck out, leading to burnout, and
it definitely can't be good for that whole anxiety thing.
But let's remember that while it may be hard to unwind and detach on
vacation these days, it's not impossible and it's 100 percent necessary.
Here are few pointers to help you tune out the noise and actually
relax.
1. Escape cell service
Ever wish there were a magic button to fight stress? Well, there is.
It's on your phone, and it's called "airplane mode," or better yet,
"off." Give people alternative numbers to where you're staying for
emergencies — like the good ol' days before we all turned into cyborgs.
And if you're going somewhere international, don't go out of your way
to upgrade your plan or pay for roaming charges. Don't even call to ask
about it. Just put that sucker in airplane mode (so you can still use
the camera) and don't think twice about it until you get home.
2. Be aware of your FOMO
Thanks to social media, we all seem to have a fear of missing out.
Who cares if Barbara gets engaged, Tara just made tacos or Sandra loves
her #MostRomanticSpouseEver. Live in your moment instead and stop
worrying about what's waiting for you on your Facebook feed. Every time
you reach for your phone, ask yourself, "Do I really need to check that?" Or better yet, "Do I really need to post that?" Your vacation photos will still give your friends vacation envy when you get home.
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3. Chuck the itinerary or let someone else figure it out
Don't dot all of your i's and cross all of your t's. Just don't.
Sometimes, it's better to travel with no more than a basic idea of what
you're doing and what you want to see and just let the rest fall into
place. Don't underschedule, but don't overschedule. And consider trips
that don't actually require a lot of detailed plans to begin with, like a
cruise. You can book an entire cruise on Princess Cruises using one of their vacation planners — easy-peasy — and once your vacation starts, they'll get you everywhere you need to go.
If you're going somewhere that does require detailed
coordinating, enlist a travel agent to help you out. There's no rule
that says you have to do it all yourself. This is about kicking up your
feet, letting your hair down and kissing (some) responsibility goodbye
for a while.
4. Plan a vacation you can actually afford
It will be hard to relax if you're living in a toxic bubble of "I
can't afford this" stress. So, travel within your means. At the same
time, recognize that it's OK to treat yourself. There's a difference
between "I can't afford this" and "I'm spending more than usual." Make
peace with the fact that you'll see some hard-earned cash leave your
fingertips, and know that it's for a good reason.
5. Set expectations with co-workers before you leave
None of this "here's how you can reach me on vacation" nonsense.
Sure, there will be fires that need putting out, but if you prepare your
co-workers to help you pick up the slack and map out a few emergency
exits for them, you'll have a better shot at truly unplugging on your
vacation. Say it with me: Someone else can handle it. And when they go on vacation, you can return the favor. It's a circle of love.
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Vacations are a great time to establish a new habit that you've been
too frazzled to think about back home. For example, journaling or
meditating — when you're in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, who
has time? But if you have seven days away from home, why not give it a
try? If you enjoy it and find that it really helps you, you'll find a
way to make it stick in your normal routine.
7. Remember your why
There's what you do, and there's why you do it. So when work
frantically calls you on vacation (if you just couldn't manage to turn
your phone off), try to remember that's only what you do for a living.
At the end of the day, our jobs give us benefits that help us support
our families and spend time with friends and do things for ourselves. If
you don't actually have the time to do any of those things, what's the
point? Take the time you're given and go all in. Deal with the rest when
you get home.
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