Truly relaxing on vacation: 5 tips to forget about work

Summer’s here, and... you’re constantly thinking about work?

Many people know this feeling: at the beach, in great weather, your eyes keep wandering to your phone.

Did the task handover go smoothly? Are my colleagues managing without me? And most importantly: why can’t I truly unwind on vacation?

Most people have had these thoughts while traveling.

Freelancers, in particular, often have trouble relaxing during their big summer vacation.

It’s no wonder, as smartphones and laptops make it easy to handle many tasks - even during your time off.

But that’s where the danger lies: freelancers’ internal monologues often sound something like “I could work, so I should work,” so they can’t find time to relax.

Fortunately, there are tons of strategies and guidelines to help you truly take advantage of your vacation.

It’s crucial to prepare yourself, your colleagues, and your clients for your upcoming unavailability.

This not only helps others manage during your vacation but also gives you the peace of mind to avoid constantly checking your phone.

Specifically, use the last few days before your vacation to wrap up projects. Finish everything you need to at work.

If you know a project won’t be completed before you leave, hand it over to colleagues or document the project status well so you can easily pick it up again.

Freelancers should inform their clients at least a few weeks before the vacation about the exact times they will be unavailable.

Set up an out-of-office message that lets everyone know about your absence and when you’ll be back, leaving an emergency/alternative contact if necessary.

For freelancers, the temptations to handle small tasks on the phone or laptop during vacation can be unbearable.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that even small tasks - like a brief call or a quick email - can quickly snowball into a full-blown avalanche and redirect your thoughts back to work.

Therefore, disable notifications from as many apps as possible. It’s best to leave the laptop at home.

This approach is known as a digital detox.

A true digital detox involves consciously avoiding your digital devices like smartphones, computers, and tablets for a set period. The goal here’s to reduce stress, clear your mind, improve concentration, and enhance your overall quality of life.

During a digital detox, social media and other digital distractions are avoided to focus on analog activities and everyday human interactions.

Additionally, you can bring a notebook to jot down any ideas or thoughts without reaching for your phone. This helps clear your mind and prevents the temptation to use work-related devices.

Try and change your everyday routine to completely forget about work during your summer vacation. Have breakfast later and eat something different than you do on workdays. Don’t insist on having coffee at exactly 10:00 just because you “always do it.”

Take the opportunity to explore new places and try things you wouldn’t normally do. By breaking away from usual patterns, you create space for new experiences and make time to truly let go.

It’s not inherently bad if you can’t completely forget about work.

You might wonder if your colleagues are managing ok, or if that important email was received. Maybe you want to know if clients will still assign you future projects despite your absence. That’s completely normal.

These thoughts show that your work’s important to you.

However, they can also be signs of inferiority complexes or the so-called imposter syndrome. People suffering from this syndrome feel like they don’t deserve their place in life and need to prove that they’re competent.

You shouldn’t view vacation as a simple break from your work, but as an essential part of it. Clearly, if you don’t rest properly, you can’t work effectively.

Ultimately, it’s beneficial for your productivity to prepare your perfect trip, so that you can fully indulge in the luxury of a break from work.

It’s as simple as it sounds: Sleep! Rest. Sometimes being completely unproductive is the most productive thing you can do.

The last vacation day’s a great opportunity to mentally (and physically) prepare for re-entering your work routine. Instead of viewing this final day as the imminent end of your time off, use it to recharge yourself with positive energy.

Don’t spend the day in a frantic rush preparing for work. Instead, plan a relaxing activity that brings you joy, ending your vacation on a high note. Remember: every break is a valuable break, and the next one’s sure to come sooner than later.

Tips for a relaxing final day of vacation:

• Relaxing Activities: Plan something enjoyable and relaxing, like a walk in nature, a spa visit, or a cozy meal with friends or family.

• Gentle Preparation: Start to think about what's waiting for you in the first days once you're back, jotting down notes to help you start stress-free.

• Positive Thoughts: Use this time to focus on what you appreciate about your work, looking forward to interesting upcoming projects.

With a laid-back, positive outlook, you can enjoy your last day of vacation and get ready and energized to go back to work.

By thoroughly preparing your trip, balancing your personal and professional life, and changing your daily routine, you're on track to fully enjoy your vacation.

Look at this break as a key ingredient to your productivity and use the time off work to fully recharge.

Finally, prep your return to work to re-enter your professional routine stress-free. This ensures you’re refreshed and ready for new challenges after your vacation.

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