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Planning a vacation is only half the battle. To really relax, you need to learn how to tune in to it. First of all, learn to part with things. How to do it, experts say.
Get out of business smoothly
You need to start preparing for a vacation in advance, at least two weeks in advance, advises Laura Vanderkam, an expert in time management. This way you can evaluate which tasks you will have time to complete and which should be postponed until you return or delegated.
“Make a list of things that only you can do and that are urgent,” says the psychologist. — It should not be long, it is better — one task for each day. Don’t count on the magical power of the final push.»
Take stock
On vacation, you reboot, open a new page. When you return, you will not need to remember where you stopped, what you didn’t finish. When everything is sorted out, important papers are signed, reports are cross-checked, your thoughts are not rushing between the beach and the desktop.
Don’t start anything new
You just got rid of a big and difficult project, and a new one is already looming on the horizon. You begin to delve into the details, but there are only a few days left until the vacation. You leave, but the thought of the project pulls you back like an anchor, preventing you from truly relaxing. Evaluate your strengths and do not take on a new job that is likely to be interrupted.
“Try not to make big decisions in the last week before the holidays,” says Julia Morgenstern, productivity specialist. — Do things at your usual pace, without trying to set records. Stress from new plans can make adjustments worse, and then you will spend the first few days of your vacation recovering.”
Decide on your availability
Although many professionals believe that completely disconnecting from the office and work during the holidays is ideal for psychological and physical recovery, psychologists do not see a problem in leaving a small window to connect with the world. True, this is only relevant if you can predetermine the size and operating time of this window.
“If you absolutely need to be in touch, go to the manager and decide with him when and for what questions you can call and how quickly you are ready to answer,” advises Julia Morgenstern. A short call once a week and a well-thought-out plan of action in a force majeure situation will be a reasonable solution. It’s better than carrying your phone to the water park for fear of missing an important call.
Mail: check or not?
The same recommendations apply to mail. If from time to time you need to keep your finger on the pulse — do it. “If you are not sure that you can control yourself, you know that you will be annoyed and nervous, then the best solution would be a complete taboo on checking mail and social networks,” says Laura Vanderkam.