Survival
Tactics
 Nurture both body and spirit with
an outdoor massage at the Miraval health resort in Tucson,
Ariz. |
Following are ways to reduce stress on vacation culled
from experts on relaxation:
- Try to vacation off-season and mid-week. You'll avoid
the crowds and have a better chance of getting restaurant
reservations, good prices at hotels or resorts.
- If you're not a go-with-the-flow type, have as many basic
arrangements -- hotel, car rental, reservations at popular
restaurants, major day-tours -- booked ahead of time to
reduce stress once you arrive.
- Set boundaries for your trip, such as how often you'll
phone home or the office -- if at all -- and stick to them.
If you really want a break, make it clear to co-workers
that you don't want to be disturbed except in an emergency.
Also set boundaries with travelling companions; discuss
your desires regarding the daily pace, alone time and monetary
matters -- how you might handle daily bills and how much
you want to allow for restaurant meals, tours and incidentals.
- Ease into the vacation. If you've got two weeks, don't
fly off right after work Friday and fly back the Sunday
night before work. Take Saturday to wind down and leisurely
pack, and return Saturday night to have a relaxing Sunday
before getting back into the rat race.
- Avoid too many must-sees and must-do's. Plan one major
activity a day, and take in others as time and energy permit.
- If you're going to be staying at a variety of hotels,
try to spend at least two nights at each, to soak in the
feel of the place and limit the amount of packing and unpacking.
- On a group tour, take some time alone -- after a meal,
before bed -- to think about your experience or other life
issues. If you're travelling with a mate, sibling or close
friend, take some "duo" time to talk, laugh and nurture
your relationship, which may get insufficient attention
at home.
- Practise mindfulness -- being in the moment and thoroughly
savouring the experience you're having now. Don't worry
about tomorrow's program today, and try to avoid letting
your thoughts drift toward the work waiting for you back
at the office. Some cynics say that a vacation is over the
minute you reconfirm your flight home. Prove them wrong.
