The art of vacationing: problems and practical tips for better well-being

Going on holidays seems as easy as jumping into a swimming pool but for many office workers, both remote and on-site, it can be a true challenge. In this article, I will look at the main problems associated with resting on holidays and I will try to provide practical tips on solving them.

Problems with resting on holidays

From childhood, we're taught to work hard, but rarely how to relax. Why is that? Do you know why?

I have looked into the main challenges people face when trying to enjoy holidays. Based on recent research, here are the top three issues:

Issue one: the first and most important problem is the stress associated with preparing for holidays. According to research published in the Harvard Business Review, as many as 40% of men and 46% of women admit that the thought of the "mountain of work" that they will have to deal the moment they return after holidays is one of the main reasons why employees do not use their days off (1).

The second issue is travel anxiety. As reported by the Cleveland Clinic, some people experience increased anxiety related to travelling which may include concerns about safety, fear of crowds or anxiety about feeling alone in a strange place (2).

The third issue, or rather obstacle, is the fact that while travelling can bring benefits for mental health, helping to reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression (3), proper planning and preparation for the trip are essential. Setting up holiday plans can be perceived as exhausting, and as a result, it can lead to employee reluctance to take days off.

Post-holiday blues and holiday burnout syndrome

Holidays-related stress does not end at the preparation stage. Many employees experience the so-called "post-holiday blues" which is a feeling of sadness, apathy and lack of motivation after returning from holidays. The tension associated with returning from vacations is a common phenomenon and affects many people. For instance, research conducted in the UK showed that 57% of British travellers experienced a post-vacations mood slump (4).

Another problem is the "holiday burnout syndrome" which affects people who overexert themselves during the vacation, for example, through intensive sightseeing or extensively practicing sports.

While living in Thailand for two years, I have witnessed this phenomenon when my friends visited me in Asia trying to "max out" the vacation time they had, often planning attractions very ambitiously and disproportionately to time realities and their own physical (and mental) capacity. Then, instead of returning from their holidays fully rested and relaxed, they came back home exhausted and stressed. The research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies shows that as many as 30% of tourists experience this syndrome (5).

How can you truly relax and rejuvenate on your holidays? Below, I have compiled some valuable tips to help you achieve just that. Let's dive in.

1. Plan ahead

Make sure most of your work related tasks are done before leaving. This will help minimise the stress associated with the thought of work waiting for you when you return.

Do what you need to do. Remember, there is little chance of getting everything done before leaving without incurring unnecessary costs to your mental health. Hence, delegate what can be delegated, finish what depends only on you.

2. Manage your stress

It can be wise to learn stress management techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. Those can help cope with travel anxiety. If you have no control over something - let it go. It will happen anyway, regardless of whether you agree with it or not. Your plane was delayed and you won't make the next one? It happens. Apparently it was meant to be. You have no control over it but you do have control over your own emotions in this situation. Accept what comes to you, thinking positively and gratefully about yourself.

3. Prepare for the trip

Check the weather conditions, road conditions and information about the place of your destination. It is also good to have a plan B in case of unforeseen situations.

Whilst living in Bali, I felt the tremors of an earthquake. This unsettling experience deeply affected my peace of mind throughout my extended stay in Indonesia. Since then, I have always made it a point to monitor seismic activities before travelling to earthquake-prone regions. Additionally, I ensure I identify safe zones upon arrival in case of a potential tsunami. Some might say I am being overly cautious but I believe it is better to be safe than sorry :)

4. Take care of your health

Regular exercise, a balanced diet and sufficient sleep can enhance your well-being and help manage travel stress.

Consider joining a nearby yoga or meditation group. Try a new food for a change. Allow yourself to sleep as long as you need, waking up naturally to the rhythm of nature. Ensure you experience the full range of natural light from sunrise to sunset, as this helps balance your body's hormonal processes.

5. Experience travelling

Travelling can greatly benefit your mental well-being. Embrace new experiences and cultures. Immerse yourself in them. Savour local delicacies and traditions. Cherish the warmth of a smile or a friendly gesture. As you explore the world around you, you will also embark on a journey of self-discovery.

Journeys offer a unique opportunity to encounter diverse cultures, taste exotic foods and engage with various traditions. These experiences can bring immense joy and enrichment. Furthermore, travel challenges you, helping you understand yourself better in unfamiliar settings. So, give yourself the gift of exploration as it can have a profound positive effect on your mental health.

6. Maintain balance during your holiday

A holiday is as much about relaxation as it is about activity. It is essential to strike a balance between sightseeing and unwinding. Allow yourself the luxury of doing nothing - sink your feet into the sand and let the wind tousle your hair. If you feel the urge to simply be, honour that need. There's no guilt in taking a moment for yourself.

I concur that maintaining balance on holiday is vital. Both rest and exploration have their place. It's perfectly fine to take a step back and relish the present moment. It's a natural and beneficial way to rejuvenate both body and mind. So, bask in the surrounding beauty and grant yourself the permission to rest. After all, a holiday is your time—spend it in a way that feels right for you, free from self-judgment.

7. Easing back into work

When planning your return to work, try to make it gradual. If you can, take an extra day or two off after your holiday to readjust to your usual routine.

It is also beneficial to hold onto the uplifting moments from your trip - those that brought you joy, comfort or a sense of achievement and security. Treat these memories as a personal reservoir of energy, ready to tap into when you are back in the daily grind.

The art of vacationing - an overview

Rest is just as vital as the work we often stress over. While many of us are trained to excel at our jobs, few are taught the importance of quality relaxation. Why is that?

Recognising the significance of rest is essential for our mental and physical well-being.

So, it is crucial to highlight the need to identify potential holiday stressors and implement effective stress management techniques both before and after the break. By doing so, we can ensure a more rejuvenating rest, allowing us to recharge fully and enhance our overall life quality.

Hence, enjoy your vacations with pleasure.