Leaders plan vacations to help relieve the stress of their positions, but getting ahead of work before their vacation and the stress of catching up with missed work once they return often can leave them far from relaxed during these breaks, according to the Harvard Business Review.
Here is how leaders can lower their stress levels before, during and after vacation:
Before the vacation
- Moments of relaxation should be built into their schedule to help leaders transition to vacation so the break does not come as a shock to their routine.
- Tasks that must be completed in the weeks before vacation should be prioritized so the last few days before are not full of deadlines.
- Leaders should send out word of their vacation so colleagues and clients know they will be unplugged from work communications during their time away from the office.
- A handoff should be established to ensure key responsibilities will be handled by co-workers.
During the vacation
- Set an intention for the vacation, such as being more joyful, energized or calm.
- Unplug and set all work communications aside.
- Immerse in the vacation and try to see, hear, smell and feel everything that makes the new location unique.
After the vacation
- After arriving at work, make a plan that organizes workflow.
- Reset priorities in case anything pressing has popped up during the vacation.
- Leaders should remember the highlights of their vacation and try to integrate the intent of their vacations into their daily lives.