How To Be The Person You Are On Vacation (And Avoid Burnout)

Traveling home from our recent Michigan vacation, I confessed to my husband, “Why can’t I relax and be this carefree at home?” 

In July, we traveled 13 days out of the month, and it was probably the most relaxing thirteen days I’ve had in years… I’m still sitting here wondering how I can keep this good thing going?!

I realized that while on vacation, I am truly living in the moment and not stressing over the little things.  It was a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life….

That is when it dawned on me—what if I could apply this same attitude to my life at home? After all, shouldn’t true happiness and contentment start at home base?

What Vacation Teaches Us

While vacations may not always relieve stress, treating ourselves to some well-deserved time off definitely does the body (and mind!) good.

But here’s the thing – when we’re at home, it’s hard to switch off. The never-ending to-do list keeps haunting us. The laundry piles up, the dishes need washing, and there’s always something that needs attention.

Not to mention the inbox overflowing and social media nagging at your time… It’s exhausting!

But when we escape to a new location, we give ourselves permission to indulge in the things we love….

Picture yourself hiking through the mountains, paddle boarding, playing golf, or lounging by the ocean with your favorite beach read and a spicy bloody mary (that’s my fav!) 

Sounds amazing, right?

Life Will Always Be (Crazy) Busy

If there’s anything I’ve learned over the last several years of battling chronic illness, it’s that life sure knows how to throw curveballs!  

Until 2023, I hadn’t traveled or been to see my family since 2019…. Yes, three and a half years without seeing family, friends from ‘home’ or even really leaving the four walls of our home! I hadn’t realized what a toll that had played on my emotional and mental health.

Even before I was sick, I would make excuses not to travel – either I was training for an Ironman race, or there was too much going on at work.  #facepalm

But the truth is, there’s never a perfect time for a vacation or break in life. There will always be a work commitment you can’t miss or something else that needs to get done. 

You just have to schedule and GO! (staycations count!)

Traveling again has made me appreciate the freedom that comes with being able to explore new places, even if it’s just for the weekend or a couple of days here and there.  

Bring Vacation Vibes Home

But here’s the thing – we don’t have to wait for the perfect vacation to live our best lives. We can infuse our daily routines with a sprinkle of vacation magic.  

Whether it’s an at-home spa night, taking a road trip to explore a neighboring city, or just taking time out of the day to do something that brings you joy – there are endless possibilities. 

Lately, to stir up vacation vibes, Paul and I have been listening to our new record player with old-school vinyls! We also got a new cozy fire pit to bring the relaxation of vacation at home 

I’m determined to bring vacation vibes into my everyday life more…

We’ve also planned more short trips to keep something on the calendar we can look forward to…

For example, Paul and I have started scheduling stay-cations… in June, we went to the neighboring city, McKinney, Texas, and stayed at The Grand Hotel downtown on the square.  We had a ton of fun exploring the area, trying new restaurants, and even went to a late-night speakeasy!  

We were able to connect and slip away without having to make big travel plans… McKinney is just 20 mins away! It was such a fun experience that we decided to make this a regular event.  (DFW folks, send me your favorite staycation ideas!)

Go ahead, start planning daily rest rituals and mini-getaways, even if they’re just in your own backyard.  You deserve it!

How To Be Who You Are On Vacation (Avoiding Burnout)

No doubt, we all get caught up in the day-to-day hustle and forget to take a moment to pause, unwind, and recharge our batteries.  But how do we start bringing our vacation self to our daily routine?

Get Organized

Organizing your day can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed by all the tasks that need to be accomplished. Make a to-do list of your daily tasks, prioritize them, and set realistic deadlines for each task. (The key here is REALISTIC due dates!) 

That way, you’ll feel accomplished as you tick off tasks from your list, and it will create space for you to take care of yourself.

I’ve used *almost* every productivity task list app out there, but I’ve come back to simply using a list on apple notes.  Find the best way for YOU!

Unplug

Our tech devices are always within reach, and we’re constantly bombarded with notifications, emails, and social media updates. 

I call these things a necessary evil, because they are simply a part of our daily lives – there is no way around that. 

But tech can be distracting and stressful. Make sure to create boundaries around your tech devices, and take a break from them once in a while. 

Turn off push notifications, switch off your phone, or download an app that limits your screen time. I turn my phone to DND a few hours each day during deep work… give it a try!

Connect With Nature

If you haven’t heard, spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase creativity. Whether it’s taking a walk in the park, hiking, or simply sitting outdoors, connecting with nature can be a great way to unwind, get some fresh air, and allow your mind to wander… 

I try to spend at least 15-20 minutes a day in the sunshine, soaking up all the vitamin D … it feeds my introvert soul 🙂

Socialize & Have Fun

We all need a good laugh now and then – they say it’s the best medicine, right? Call a friend, meet up for coffee, go to a social event, or try something new.  

Spending time with friends and having fun can help to get your mind off of work and recharge like we do on vacations…

And give me a call – I”m always up for a coffee date or prosecco evening!  

Be Authentic 

Finally, it’s important to be true to ourselves. I realize this is harder in practice, but to truly let go and embrace vacation vibes, we can’t worry about what others think or say… go ahead allow yourself to be who you are.  

Embrace your quirks, your likes, and dislikes. When we let go of the need to please others, we create space for self-discovery, joy, and self-love.

The Wrap – Be Who You Are On Vacation

In order to be our best selves, like on vacation, we must take care of ourselves first. By getting organized, unplugging, connecting with nature, socializing, and being authentic, we can create a life that feels more relaxed, peaceful, and fulfilling. 

So, take some time for yourself today – an umbrella in your drink is optional 😀

XO,

jules