I’m Stressed About Vacation

By Kelsey Alpaio, Senior Associate Editor

Do you get the Sunday Scaries?

It’s that feeling of dread you might experience at the end of a fun weekend, as you think about tackling your Monday to-do list. Some people go through it on a weekly basis, but I only really get them when returning from a long vacation. I usually waste my last few hours worrying about the messages I’ve missed, the emails that will need responding to, and the extra work I’ll have to put in to catch up.

In just a few days, I’ll be heading off on a long break for the holidays, and I’m determined to come back to work in January feeling refreshed. If you’re hoping to do the same, join me today in doing these three small things, based on Tristan Elizabeth Gribbin’s article, “How to Minimize Stress Before, During, and After Your Vacation”:

1. Block your calendar the day you plan to return back to work. Coming back from vacation to a day full of meetings can be extremely stressful. By blocking your calendar for even an hour or two, you guarantee yourself some time to get organized, prioritize the most important tasks on your list, and dig yourself out of a mountain of emails.
2. Prioritize your tasks. At this point, you probably know which tasks you’re going to be able to get done before heading out on vacation. Instead of keeping an impossibly long to-do list, start thinking now about how you’ll prioritize those tasks when you return. You can even make a to-do list for when you get back, so you won’t forget anything. By doing this prep work, you save yourself from having to think about it in the days leading up to your return.
3. Clean your office. This may seem like a low priority right now, but picture yourself coming back from vacation to a messy desk or office. Not very motivating or inviting, is it? That extra clutter is just going to make you more stressed. Do yourself a favor and tidy up your space a little before heading out.

Here are a few more tips from our experts on how to return from your vacation feeling rested.

Recommended Reads

Why Young Professionals Should Prioritize Rest Over Work

This means setting boundaries, communicating with your colleagues, and learning to say no.

Read the full article.

How to Deal with Nonstop Notifications at Work

Writing a solid out-of-office (OOO) message can come in handy.

Watch the full video.

Set These 5 Boundaries Before You Go on Vacation

Prepare to completely disconnect.

Read the full article.

Like what you just read??Our team of global editors shares personal stories and practical advice in a weekly version of this newsletter, sign up here!