Holiday stress? This is how you can stop worrying and really relax

Just imagine: you're on the edge of a beautiful, quiet beach. Waves gently lather against your feet and you can feel the warm sun on your skin. But instead of feeling relaxed, peace of mind is hard to find. Unfinished tasks, impending deadlines, and unread emails waiting for you as soon as you get back to work haunt your mind. Vacation is supposed to be a time of relaxation and fun, but for many, going on vacation comes with a heavy dose of stress. How do you get your brain into vacation mode? Read on for our tips.

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Holiday stress? You are not alone

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40% of working Dutch people suffers from stress in the period before they go on vacation, and this number is even higher for parents with children living at home. A large group indicated that chaotic transmission was the cause of the stress. Others had no one to hand over their work to, with the result that they also had to keep an eye on their email and phone while on vacation.

Taking your days off or going on vacation isn't just a luxury; it is essential for your mental and physical well-being. According to Flemish psychologist Fanya Verhenne, you have eight days you need to completely relax and stop being busy with your work. This is because taking a break from work allows you to recharge, get new perspectives and return to work more productively and creatively.

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

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4 tips to stop worrying about work while on vacation

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1. Set clear boundaries before you go

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

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2. Disconnect digitally

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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 brain craves 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 annoyed. 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 ones that actually help you relax — like the Meditation Moments app. The start of the day sets the tone for the rest of the day. Starting your day with a short morning meditation will make you feel calm and calm for the rest of the day. And there's a good chance that taking a moment for yourself does wonders for your work stress.

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3. Allow yourself to check how things are going at work from time to time

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For some, it may disconnect completely, just for more anxiety and stress concerns. Instead of abruptly deleting all apps from your phone, you can schedule short check-ins at specific times. Limit these sessions to 15 minutes so you're only available for urgent matters. This approach can reduce the fear of missing out without causing you to get sucked back into work mode.

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4. Practice mindfulness

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Do activities that require your full attention, such as hiking, snorkeling, or visiting a local market. Mindfulness techniques such as breathwork whether 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, without having to think about work for a while. You can also use affirmations to better deal with holiday stress and find more inner peace. For example:

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

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“My mental and mental health are important; I give myself time and space to recharge.”

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“I'm letting go of all the guilt that comes with taking time for myself.”

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“I'm letting go of worries about the past and the future; I'm here and embracing it now.”

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

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Train your brain to embrace vacation mode and enjoy your free time. Remember that you've earned this break and that your mental health is just as important as your professional responsibilities! This summer, treat yourself to the lovely, low-threshold meditation app, Meditation Moments.

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