Vacations can sometimes be a mixed bag. We all dream about them and look forward to those precious days of relaxation and adventure. But have you ever noticed that, despite our expectations, we don’t always feel as refreshed and rejuvenated as we had hoped after returning from a trip?
We just got home from our annual vacation in Watercolor, Florida (Seaside area), and it might have been the first time I was ACTUALLY able to relax on vacation…. Ever! Saying it was life-changing might be an understatement.
If you’ve never experienced this euphoria, you’re not alone! In fact, studies have shown that vacations don’t always contribute significantly to our overall life satisfaction.
Why do we NOT relax on vacation?
So, what’s the deal? Why do we often end up feeling broke, burned out, and a little down in the dumps after a vacation?
It turns out there are a few factors at play. First, the stress of travel logistics and the regret of overspending can contribute to those post-trip blues.
The high of being on vacation is often followed by a low, and the reality of returning to our everyday obligations can be a bit of a downer.
Try to Increase the Anticipation
Interestingly, though, the most enjoyable part of a vacation may actually be the anticipation leading up to it.
We daydream about all the wonderful experiences we’ll have, and these positive thoughts provide short bursts of enthusiasm in the weeks prior.
However, the days right before a vacation can be stressful. The long hours of work to prepare for the trip, coupled with worries about potential mishaps, can weaken our immune system and make us more susceptible to getting sick.
That’s why some people experience flu-like symptoms at the start of their vacation.
Make a (Flexible) Plan
Creating a plan of action before leaving on your vacation can help you make the most out of your trip and optimize your trip experiences.
For example, create a “bucket list” of activities that you want to do during the trip – for us, we wanted to hit up a highly recommended restaurant, try a private chef, and do a bonfire on the beach. (And we did them all!)
We returned home with the sweetest memories and meaningful moments of our time in Watercolor….
Relaxation Matters (But So Do Activities)
Still, relaxation alone shouldn’t be the sole focus if you want lasting benefits from your holiday.
Engaging in meaningful leisure activities that resonate with you can greatly enhance your satisfaction during and after your trip.
For example, Paul and I took a few long walks, just the two of us, on the beach – even though we were living in a house full of families for the week, this alone time was our perfect leisure activity – both active and relaxing.
Find what that can be in your trips…
Nix the Work Email
Avoiding work-related emails and other sources of stress is crucial. Detaching from your usual routines and fully engaging in your vacation activities can boost your well-being.
You’re unlikely to experience these benefits if you spend your time on the beach or in the backcountry scrolling through your inbox or social media feeds.
Stepping away from the pressures of email and social media were HUGE for me to be able to relax and truly unwind during our trip.
Pro tip: After your vacation, consider returning in the middle of the workweek. This way, you’ll only have a day or two of work before the weekend, which can help ease the transition and prolong your post-vacation happiness.
Remember, All Good Things Come To An End
The real issue is that vacations eventually come to an end. However, there are ways to optimize your holiday plans to make the most of your time off and benefit your mind and body.
Start by incorporating exercise into your routine the week before you leave. This can boost your immune function and help reduce accumulated stress hormones, which can make your break more enjoyable.
And back to making a flexible plan: It’s also important to maintain control over your vacation plans and schedule. If you’re at the mercy of inflexible relatives or a rigid sightseeing agenda, don’t expect to experience much relaxation or rejuvenation. (This is the case with most family trips!)
Manage Vacation Expectations
So, while vacations are not a problem in themselves, it’s important to recognize that they do come with their own set of challenges.
By managing our expectations, planning ahead, and taking care of our well-being before and after the trip, we can make the most of our vacations and minimize any negative impacts they might have.
Remember, it’s not just the vacation itself that matters; it’s also the way we approach it and how we take care of ourselves throughout the entire process.
The Wrap – Learning to Relax on Vacation
I don’t think I’ll always be able to truly relax with each and every vacation – and that shouldn’t be the goal. But striving towards more peace and calm can be a realistic goal for any trip.
Research shows that vacationers feel healthier and happier during their time away. In fact, more vacation time is even linked to lower mortality rates, regardless of income. #truestory
Lastly, spend some time organizing and reflecting on your vacation once you’re back home. This can help you maintain the positive effects and memories of your trip.
Where are you headed for vacation next? I wanna know!!
XO,
jules
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