Let’s take a break from the break!
Sometimes during vacation, we feel like something is wrong, and we’re not fully relaxed even during our time off. The time we’ve been waiting for all week can make us feel uneasy for several reasons:
As soon as we slow down, the body and mind open the vault and release all the fatigue and pressure that builds up during work. With our high expectations for a “perfect” vacation, even small disappointments can turn into frustration instead of relaxation. Many people are also haunted by guilt just for resting, as if rest automatically means a lack of productivity.
Social pressure completes the picture: family gatherings, visits, and commitments can make a vacation feel even busier than workdays. When daily routines disappear, the mind becomes unsettled and anxiety starts to surface. Add to that social media, filled with exaggerated images of travel and happiness, and suddenly any normal vacation feels inadequate.
And even when work stops, thinking doesn’t. Problems may take a break from the office, but not from our minds. Vacation expenses, gifts, and outings can increase financial pressure instead of easing it. Then we start thinking about returning to work too early, ruining the sense of calm before we’ve even enjoyed it. In the end, many people are so used to constant work that they don’t know how to truly relax, and they feel stressed the moment they sit still.
Here are a simple-but very effective-steps to help you make a better vacation for yourself:
1.Dedicate a short daily relaxation time before the vacation, like 10 minutes of deep breathing or stretching exercises.
2.Focus on small enjoyable moments instead of perfection. Set realistic expectations: “I’ll enjoy the time without pressure; not everything has to be perfect.”
3.Remember that rest is part of productivity. Taking breaks is essential for recharging, and caring for yourself isn’t slacking.
4.Set simple boundaries. Choose only the important events, or dedicate some time for yourself away from the crowd.
5.Maintain a small routine, even if simple: regular sleep, healthy meals, or a daily activity you enjoy.
6. Reduce social media use or do a “digital detox” during the vacation. Focus on your own experience, not others’ lives.
7. Dedicate a short time for calm planning or reflection instead of trying to escape completely. Writing or talking to a friend helps release anxiety.
8. Set a simple vacation budget, choose free or low-cost activities, and focus on quality, not quantity.
9. Take the last couple of days to gradually reduce activity and organize your work priorities instead of thinking about everything at once.
10.Try different ways to relax: music, walking, meditation, a calm coffee, or an activity you love. Make rest a habit, not a rare occasion.
If you’re spending your vacation away from home, make sure to prepare your essentials in advance:
- Take your personal medications with you.
- Carry a needle and thread for any emergency.
- Don’t forget your skincare or beauty essentials.
- If you’re traveling after laser, filler, or mesotherapy sessions, be sure to bring the necessary aftercare products to use during your trip.
Always remember that this is your time, and you have the right to spend it doing what you love, not what feels obligatory. Accept that multiple things may happen at the same time, and that you will inevitably miss out on some of them—so make sure what you miss is less important, and enjoy what you are doing in the present moment.
