cushion the impact’s guide to a relaxing holiday
We can almost hear you asking why you need a guide to a relaxing holiday – all you need to do is book it, travel on the correct date and relax. For some, it’s not quite as simple as that because you can’t switch off from work to concentrate on your hard-earned free time.
The main secret behind being able to relax on holidays or to have an adventurous, action-packed break if that’s what you prefer, is planning. You know when your last day at work will be, so make sure you don’t have anything hanging over you while you’re on leave.
Here’s how to make it happen.
5 steps to leaving stress behind when you go on holiday
Plan – As we mentioned briefly earlier, you know when you will be travelling so prepare for it. Try to keep your schedule slightly less full than normal the week before so you don’t end up in a last minute panic trying to finish everything off. Work out what must be done before you go and what can wait until you get back. Create a to-do list, allocated time to completing each task and get to it.
Delegate – At least some of your workload can be handed over to a colleague, PA or VA while you take your vacation. Be clear about what needs to be done, and make sure you provide adequate instructions. Don’t just dump it all on their desk as you run out the door – this won’t work well for anyone involved.
Switch your phone off – Don’t bring your work phone on holiday. If you must bring it, delete your email app and NEVER give your mobile number out as a contact number ‘in case you need me’. As long as one person can get hold of you in a genuine emergency, that is plenty. If you need to, set up a redirect or pay for an answering service to cover your holiday time.
Use your out-of-office – Spend five minutes before you leave work adding an out-of-office autoreply to your email account. State that you are out of the office until x date, will not be responding to emails and provide an alternative contact within your organisation. Managing expectations means nobody will (reasonably) expect a reply from you and you are not at all obliged to send one.
Communicate before you go – Let colleagues, regular clients and others who may need to know know that you will be going on holiday. Again, this will help to manage expectations and reduce any work-related stress you may be experiencing.
Finally, wherever you are travelling to this summer, we hope you have a fantastic time and look forward to working with you again soon.
cushion the impact provides award winning personal and virtual assistance and customised lifestyle management for hard working and hard living individuals and small business owners. We know there aren’t enough hours in the day, so let us help you live an organised, efficient, & fulfilling life. Take a deep breath & call us today. Your personal service awaits!!
