Can I Actually Sit Back and Relax?
Why do most people take a vacation trip? Sure, there are some who seek adventure and new frontiers. The vast majority of people, however, need a getaway. They want to take a break from the grind and simply relax. Why, then, do they so often return home feeling more stressed than when they started? What happened to refreshing your mind and relieving stress?
In this digital age, is it even possible to decompress anymore? The answer is yes, but it will require some preparation and planning. With that in mind, let’s explore some suggestions to make sure the R&R actually happens!
Know Thyself
Quite often, we have an image of ourselves on vacation. And then there’s reality. Before you start planning, honestly assess what you need to truly relax. What do you like doing? But don’t feel guilty if the answer involves doing virtually nothing while away. Of course, if you’re traveling with family or friends, you’ll need to talk this over with them first.
Start Planning Early
If rest is the goal, plan for it. Leave lots of empty space in your vacation schedule. And be sure to tell travel mates what you have in mind. Remember, there’s no law against taking naps and reading books while you’re away.
Detach from Work
This is huge. If you don’t unplug, it’s not a vacation. Communicate with management and co-workers to set things up for everyone. Set firm boundaries when it comes to communication.
Create a Budget
Don’t leave finances to chance. Overspending can stress you out more than overworking. Prepare a budget with a little bit of wiggle room — and stick to it. If this is a family trip, make certain everyone is on the same page.
Speak Relaxation Into Existence
Decompressing doesn’t happen by accident. Recalibrate your mindset into relaxation mode by rejecting negative statements about things going wrong. As diligently as you plan your logistics and budget, prepare your mind in advance.
What If High Anxiety is Present?
Some folks might already be struggling with anxiety issues. Just because you’re in a new location doesn’t mean you’ll naturally feel a decrease in anxiety. This makes it essential to factor in such issues when making vacation plans, e.g.:
Start Planning Very Early
Leave no stone unturned. You can’t plan in advance for all possible scenarios, but you can bring yourself some peace of mind by fully handling the basics. Consider what triggers anxiety in you and take specific steps to manage those possibilities.
Practice Self-Care
This is actually a 365/24/7 tip, but you may have to adapt things while out of town. For example:
Let everyone know you’ll be needing alone time during the trip
- Bring self-soothing tools (music, aromatherapy, etc.)
- Meditation and breathing exercises
- Set positive intentions
- Don’t overindulge in food or drink
- Maintain regular exercise and sleep routines
Control What You Can Control
No vacation is perfect. Decide in advance that you won’t let a few glitches shift your vibe. You planned wisely and pledged yourself to self-care. Thus, if one day the weather doesn’t cooperate, you’re ready to roll with the punches. The goal is to escape the rat race mentality you left behind. Be ready to laugh at the unexpected variables and then re-commit to R&R.
Does This Advice Sound Impossible?
You may roll your eyes at the mention of not checking work emails or rolling with the punches. If so, why not get some support! Working with a therapist can help you develop strategies that can help you. Therapists at Wellness Matters specialize in dealing with issues of anxiety and self care. Feel free to contact us today to set up an appointment. You can connect with the Wellness Matters Intake Coordinator by texting or calling (218) 616-1276
At Wellness Matters, the intake process is all on-line and can be done in less than fifteen minutes. On-line appointments make it possible to attend appointments from the comfort from your home or office. In-person services may also be available for people living in northern MN.
