Welcome to the final post in our summer holiday series. So far we’ve discussed the benefits of going away, preparing for your holiday and, now, it’s time to look at how you can make the most of it.
A holiday isn’t just a break from routine; it’s a crucial tool for enhancing your wellbeing, shaping your perceptions, and boosting your performance. However, there are certain tricks to making the most of it. Here’s how …
Embrace Flexibility & Listen to Your Needs
One of the best aspects of a holiday is the freedom to do what you feel like in the moment. Resist the urge to stick to a rigid routine. Instead, embrace flexibility and listen to what your body and mind need at any given moment.
- Follow your instincts: Whether you feel like lounging by the pool, exploring a new city, or taking a spontaneous day trip, allow yourself to follow your instincts.
- Be present: Engage fully in whatever activity you choose, appreciating each moment, without worrying about what comes next.
Be aware that stress will make you feel like being busy, rigid in your plans and controlling. This is why I suggested in the previous post not to put pressure on yourself in the first 1-3 days, so you can properly come out of a stressed state, before engaging in activities or sightseeing, for example.
Allow Your Nervous System to Unwind
If you’re coming off a period of high stress or a busy time at home or work, be conscious of using your holiday to let your nervous system unwind. This process is crucial for resetting your body and mind, not only for your health and wellbeing, but also so that when you do go back to work, you will be fully recharged and therefore, you will be more able to perform at your best. Remember the stress cycle I recently shared as the best tool for managing stress? … A holiday is the perfect example of the rest phase of the stress cycle.
- Expect to feel tired at first: You might feel very sleepy or even a bit spaced out for the first few days. This is a natural response as your body adjusts to a lower stress level.
- Prioritise rest: Don’t resist or be afraid to spend extra time sleeping or relaxing. Your body needs this time to recover.
Prioritise Yourself Over Pleasing Others
For those who tend to prioritise others’ needs over their own, holidays are a perfect time to shift that focus inward.
- Set boundaries: Make a conscious effort to consider what you need and ensure you’re taking steps to meet those needs.
- Practice self-care: Engage in activities that nourish you, whether it’s reading a good book, getting a massage, or simply enjoying some quiet time alone.
Manage Work Boundaries
Sometimes, it’s unavoidable to bring some work along on holiday. If you absolutely must work, set clear boundaries to ensure it doesn’t overshadow your time off.
- Designate work time: Set specific times for work and stick to them. This could mean dedicating an hour in the morning or evening, but be strict about keeping it limited.
- Create a work-free zone: Choose a spot away from your main relaxation areas for any work you need to do, so you can clearly separate work time from leisure time.
- Communicate boundaries: If necessary, remind colleagues about your limited availability and make it clear that you will not be responding outside of these designated times.
- Pressure-free days: Ideally, you want some days where you do not do any work at all. It’s really important that you have some time without any pressure.
Maximising Your Holiday Experience
Finally, here are three more ways that you can really maximise the benefits of being on holiday:
- Be active: I’ve talked about rest and why it is important, but this is not to say you should be completely inactive. Incorporating some physical activity will boost your mood and energy levels. This could be as simple as a morning walk on the beach, going for a swim or taking a hike in nature.
- Practise mindfulness: If you find yourself feeling distracted by thoughts related to work or something stressful, focus on the present moment. The best way to do this is to engage your senses – immerse yourself in what you’re seeing, feeling, hearing or, even, smelling.
- Try a digital detox: Limiting screen time and disconnecting from digital distractions will really deepen your ability to relax and stay present. Set specific boundaries to help you follow through with this. Switching your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode is also very effective because you won’t get notifications.
Holidays are more than just a break; they are an essential part of maintaining and enhancing your overall wellbeing. By listening to your needs, allowing your nervous system to unwind, prioritising self-care, and setting boundaries for work, you can transform your holiday into a powerful tool for personal growth, improved perceptions, and enhanced performance, on your return.
I hope the tips shared as part of this holiday series help you make the most of your time off. Here’s to a relaxing and inspiring holiday season!
Kate x
