How to deal with holiday stress?

Holiday stress? You're not the only one

40% of working people suffer from stress in the period before going on vacation, and among parents with children living at home, this number is even higher. A large group reported that a chaotic handover was the cause of the stress. Others had no one to whom they could transfer their work, with the result that they had to keep an eye on their e-mail and phone even while on vacation.

Taking your days off or going on vacation is not just a luxury; it is essential for your mental and physical well-being. According to Flemish psychologist Fanya Verhenne, you need eight days to completely unwind and stop being preoccupied with your work. In fact, a break from work allows you to recharge, gain new perspectives and return to work more productive and creative.

You deserve to enjoy your time off without worrying or feeling guilty. To be present in the here and now and focus on relaxation and fun. But putting your brain into vacation mode is often easier said than done.

4 tips to stop fretting about work while on vacation

1. Set clear boundaries before you leave

Communicate your time off to colleagues and clients well in advance. Make sure your responsibilities have been delegated and delegate tasks to trusted team members. Turning on your out-of-office can also help manage expectations of others. By taking these steps before you go on vacation, you can leave with peace of mind and know that everything will be taken care of in your absence.

2. Disconnect digitally

For many of us, it's almost automatic to open our email or work app when we reach for our phone. Don't blame yourself: our brains crave structure and routine. Checking your email or scrolling through your social media gives you a sense of comfort and stability. It's a regular part of your routine. If you skip it, you may feel uncomfortable or irritated. Almost like missing your morning coffee.

While turning off your phone may be a step too far, you can instead replace your work-related apps with apps that actually provide relaxation - like the Meditation Moments app. The beginning of the day sets the tone for the rest of the day. Starting your day with a short morning meditation will make you face the rest of the day feeling calm and at peace. And there's a good chance that taking a moment for yourself will do wonders for your work stress.

3. Allow yourself to occasionally check in on how things are going at work

For some, disconnecting completely can actually create more anxiety and stress. Instead of abruptly deleting all apps from your phone, schedule short check-ins at specific times. Limit these sessions to 15 minutes so that you are only available for urgent matters. This approach can reduce the fear of missing something without causing you to get sucked back into work mode.

4. Practice mindfulness

Do activities that require your full attention, such as hiking, snorkeling or visiting a local market. Mindfulness techniques such as breathwork or meditation can also help you stay in the present moment. The goal is to fully immerse yourself in the experiences and beautiful moments of your vacation, taking a break from thinking about work. You can also use affirmations to better deal with vacation stress and find more inner peace. 

1.

"I allow myself to rest and recharge; I embrace moments of relaxation."

2.

"My mental and spiritual health are important; I give myself time and space to recharge."

3.

"I let go of all the guilt associated with taking time for myself."

4.

"I let go of worries about the past and the future; I am here and embrace the now."

5.

"I cherish the moments I spend creating memories with my loved ones."