3 Steps To Help Your Vacation Feel Like A Reward And Not A Punishment

As we drove down Interstate 95 south, I thought about how much I missed my bed. While my family vacation was filled with rest, entertainment, and some wonderful moments, nothing beats your own mattress. But that was the only thing I was missing. As we got closer to home, I was resenting that I would have to open up my laptop, check my email and enter back into the craziness of the world ahead.

We all need to make sure we take a vacation and rest throughout the year. For many of us, this isn’t easy because there is so much to get do. Taking time for ourselves is also difficult because of the temptations to check in with the office or those who do not know we are away. But, we shouldn’t feel like vacation is a punishment. Instead, it should be something we enjoy. If you are unsure how to make that happen and get the most out of your vacation, then follow these three steps:

STEP 1: PREPARE TO BE GONE LONGER THAN YOU ACTUALLY WILL BE

I know it is hard enough to be away for a few days, but it allows you to create margin when you act as you’ll go longer. Before you leave, look at the week you come back and ask yourself:

• Do I have any meetings I should push back?
• Should I adjust any deadlines?
• Who are people that can take charge while I’m gone and ask I come back?

We always forget there is a little bit of a letdown after vacation, and the adjustment from sleeping in, staying up late, and doing nothing for work can take time. It might seem like a little more work on the front end, but you’ll appreciate yourself more when you return.

STEP 2: LIMIT ANY CONNECTION WITH REALITY

Before mobile devices had cameras, apps, and messaging, it was simple to disconnect on vacation. I miss those days, and if I’m honest, there have been a few vacations recently where I broke my own rules. I told myself, “Oh, I have to post this on social media!” or “I should check in on my team.” and “I wonder how that one event went at the church?”

Each time I checked social media, email, or reached out to a coworker, I found the results to suck me right back into the grind of work. Feelings of guilt, frustration, or disappointment filled my mind. In the end, I grew more anxious about going to work because little pieces of reality had invaded my time to rest and refuel.

It’s difficult to limit any connection with your working world as long as you tap into the wifi or hold onto your mobile device. But, even if you can do that, it’s important to make sure you aren’t constantly talking about work with the people who accompany you on your trip. Make sure you are not reading books or listening to podcasts that draw you back into that world.

The more you disconnect from work, the more you focus on the time God has given you to refocus, refresh and refuel yourself. A discipline like this takes practice and accountability. You won’t always get it right, but you’ll get better.

STEP 3: EASE BACK INTO THE GRIND

That first day back can seem a little daunting, especially if you were successful with disconnecting from reality. I know that I wonder, “Am I going to get punished doing what I’m supposed to do on vacation? Rest?” The answer might feel like a YES, but the truth is that life goes on, even when you are not around.

The reason you prepare to go away for longer than you actually do is so that you can treat that first day (or even week) back with ease and plenty of margin. You don’t have to check your email first thing, get back to your office, clean your space and ease back into the grind. If you have meetings scheduled, see if you can move them a day or make it over coffee. Don’t be afraid to shorten that first day back by coming in a little later than usual or leaving early. Your mind, body, and soul need to readjust. Jumping back in feet first is going to undo all the wonders that vacation brings.

BONUS STEP: CREATE A CULTURE THAT RESPECTS VACATION

If you notice a coworker is going away for vacation, help them find the rest they need. If you are their supervisor or work with them on specific projects, meet with them beforehand to ask them how you can help them when they are away. If you can, take on any tasks that might help them avoid checking their phone or email.

Commit not to invade their time. You might think your question is urgent or maybe not a big deal, but it robs them of disconnecting when you invade their rest. When they come back from their time away, ask them about their trip, but don’t bombard them with what they have to get done. Recognize that they need to adjust as you do.

Emergencies do occur, and that’s where prudence is important. If you believe the information or the question you need to ask them cannot wait, shoot them a message. But, reserve your interruptions for true emergencies and not occurrences of poor planning. The more you build a culture of rest, the more you can help one another succeed.

We’ve all worked hard over the last year and are due for some time away with so many changes and decisions to be made; it can be difficult to disconnect. Before your next trip or vacation, make sure you are taking the time to prepare for being away. Set up the guardrails you need, and don’t be afraid to protect what is so precious to us all, time.

How do you set yourself up for successful vacation time?