Vacations often come with their own set of challenges and stressors—here are three insights from a psychologist on how to truly unwind during your time off.
Monica Virga, an entrepreneur aged 38, experienced significant anxiety when transitioning from working 20-hour days to almost complete inactivity while on holiday. "I found myself constantly checking my emails and keeping tabs on work matters that didn’t require my attention," she explained. "By the time I returned home, it felt like I hadn’t even taken a vacation because I had fallen back into those unhealthy habits."
However, Monica has since transformed her approach to taking breaks. As she prepared for a trip to Morocco two years ago in October, she took strategic steps to ensure she would genuinely enjoy her time away.
In the lead-up to her vacation, she began to dedicate a few extra hours each week to work starting in late August. Additionally, she packed her bags three to four weeks ahead of her departure to minimize last-minute chaos.
Monica’s strategy aligns closely with the advice of Guy Winch, an American psychologist who is a member of the American Psychological Association. He shared insights with CNBC Travel about how to effectively recharge while on holiday, highlighting three essential tips.
Gradually Slow Down Before Your Trip
People often take days, if not weeks, to ease into a more relaxed state after a period of intense busyness, according to Winch. He noted, "Typically, individuals attempt to get ahead with their work before leaving for vacation. By the time they leave home, they are often already stressed and fatigued." This rush can result in travelers only beginning to relax as their vacation draws to a close. Instead of halting all activities abruptly, Winch recommends transitioning to a slower pace prior to the trip. "Think of it as shifting from fifth gear down to third; it’s much easier to then move to first gear and truly relax."Travel at Your Own Speed
A vacation becomes far more enjoyable when its activities align with your personal physical and mental limits. Winch suggests prioritizing experiences that foster relaxation. For instance, during her family vacations, Monica, a mother of two young children, has shifted away from cramming activities into every moment. She now seeks out calming experiences for her family, such as finding childcare options that allow her to enjoy a massage or yoga class while her children are being looked after.
"It's not about checking off the ultimate bucket list anymore," she stated. "Instead, we focus on engaging in activities that genuinely interest us as a family. I firmly believe conventional vacations often overlook the needs of parents. Take cruises or all-inclusive resorts, for example; they can be overwhelming with unhealthy food options and too much stimulation."
Marissa Goldstein, a mother of four, echoes this sentiment. She argues that striving for the "perfect" family vacation often sets parents up for disappointment. "When you chase the idea of an ideal holiday, you risk feeling like a terrible parent or questioning why your travels don’t measure up to the glamorous images you see on social media," she said.
Her family prefers a more spontaneous approach. "We just explore without a rigid itinerary and keep our expectations in check. We embrace getting lost and seeing where the day takes us," Goldstein remarked. To engage her kids, she creatively uses ChatGPT to devise scavenger hunts tailored to their destination, ensuring the activities are age-appropriate. "Our most memorable moments are when we’re involved in hands-on activities—getting messy and enjoying ourselves without chasing luxury, although I do appreciate a nice vacation when it’s just adults."
- Disconnect from Your Work Persona
For a vacation to be truly rejuvenating, it’s crucial to mentally separate from work, asserts psychologist Winch. He emphasizes that a holiday should serve as a mental break, not simply a change of scenery. However, for many, especially entrepreneurs like Goldstein, stepping away from work can feel almost impossible. "When you’re self-employed, detaching from work can be incredibly challenging," she explained. To manage this, she and her husband alternate work shifts while traveling, allowing them to find a balance.
Winch shares a similar strategy. "While I can’t entirely disconnect from work, I have designated times to respond to messages that don’t interfere with my holiday activities," he mentioned. He advocates for addressing work responsibilities during convenient times instead of adhering to a rigid schedule. "Choose moments that suit you best," he advises.
The conversation around how to truly unwind during vacations raises interesting points. What are your thoughts on managing work while trying to enjoy a break? Do you think the traditional vacation model adequately accommodates families? Share your perspectives in the comments!
