How to Take a Relaxing Vacation Without Stressing About Work

We all need to get away from the stressors of everyday life and work pressures to hit the reset button every once in a while. The problem many of us endure in this move to avoid total burn is that professional responsibilities tend to seep into our holiday experience without our notice. No one can unwind when their mind and bodies are tackling office concerns on the days off so here are some practical tips to avoid stressing about work during your much-needed break from your 9 to 5.

1. Prepare Beforehand

The key to enjoying a relaxing holiday is preparing for the departure from work with the right attitude. Informing your employer/boss or co-workers of the impending vacation weeks in advance is necessary not only for them to prepare for your absence but for you to delegate certain responsibilities to others. Leave no stone unturned when it comes to completing tasks, informing clients and delegating tasks so that your colleagues have no excuse to disrupt your holiday with incessant calls or inane questions. Make a list of your must-complete activities and make sure that you are not leaving any work or responsibilities incomplete or in limbo prior to your getaway.

2. Switch off Completely

While this may not always be possible due to familial commitments and other personal responsibilities, switching off from your devices is an absolute must once you have reached your holiday location. Although it is not necessary to turn off your phone, it is crucial to avoid unnecessarily checking your email or messages out of habit by keeping the phone inside a drawer in your hotel room. Use your phone only to make phone calls and use a digital camera or another method to document your trip as keeping your Smartphone on your person is a recipe for overwhelm and stress.

3. Select a Remote Destination

Choosing a completely off-grid vacation destination is another great way to truly get away from it all. While it is not prudent to select a location that is too remote or difficult to reach in case of an emergency, there are hotels and resorts that provide privacy, seclusion and an atmosphere that's far removed from the hustle and bustle of the world. Whether it's in the heart of a wilderness, an island beach haven or a country estate, those who wish to be difficult to reach have a myriad of options.

4. Don't Schedule Your Holiday Hours

A common mistake most holidaymakers make is scheduling every minute of their vacation till it becomes a chore to get through a packed itinerary in the course of the getaway. Do away with scheduling altogether and be spontaneous in how you spend your time away from the office. This will create a different mindset than what most of us are used to during a workweek and make room for a more relaxed way of being.

5. Take Part in Activities

Boredom can set in even during the most relaxing vacation experiences and that is why it is important to explore activity options that will keep one from ruminating over work-related concerns instead of staying present. Whether one is based at the Kithala Resort or any other Tissamaharama hotel, there are plenty of exciting adventures to sign up for in nearly every holiday hotspot. From hiking and camping overnight to rock climbing, scuba diving, snorkelling or enjoying a boat cruise, the choices are seemingly endless. Spending time outdoors and outside the confines of the hotel is a must as this is how we can reset our bodies and minds to adapt to the new environment.