Planning Your Summer Vacation To Be an Actual Vacation… and For Returning Not To Be a Nightmare

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I am worried about you.  I hear many colleagues talking about working on their day off, I get emails on Saturday evenings and late on weeknights, and people say they will be checking email daily while on vacation. Or even worse, I hear “I might as well not even go on vacation because when I get back the work has piled up so much!”.  How is that relaxing or healthy? Kale is one thing, but life enjoyment and piece of mind is a serious health need too.  

We need you. You make a difference every day in the work you do. We need you fresh and energetic. Take a real break this summer !

These 3 articles have some really great pointers.  

The Right Way to Stay Connected on Vacation- NEW!

 8 Things You Should Do Before a Vacation to Avoid Feeling Stressed When You Return

The Right Way to Unplug When You Are on Vacation

 I like all of what they have to say, but here are a few favorite ideas from them:
  • Turn off notifications. Disable any work-related notifications on your phone and computer for the length of your vacation.  (How can you relax when things are beeping and lights are flashing?!)
  • What do I and my fellow travelers expect from one another? Your work colleagues aren’t the only ones you need to consider. If you’re traveling with friends or family, get clear up front about your technology game plan. (Avoid the family fight with this tip…)
  • Set up a check-in schedule. If you are planning to check your business email,  set up a schedule in advance.  Talk with your traveling companions about this schedule so they know when you’re going to be in work mode. And share your game plan with your colleagues, so that they know if and when you will be checking work-related email. (It would be better to not do this, but if you must, I like this plan.)
  • Look at what's happening work wise a month after your vacation so that you can anticipate things clients or colleagues may need and may come looking for right in the middle of your vacation. (Preparation is key to you getting to chill!)
  • If you are in a leadership position, vacation is the perfect time to practice letting go and trusting your team or key individuals with more responsibility.  (They will love that you trusted them and it is a win-win.)



So enjoy yourselves! Relax a little. Come back to us fresh and happy!

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