We need vacations, but the reality is we don’t always get the rest we need and end up more drained when it is over. There’s even a name for it: Leisure sickness.from workaholics not being able to adjust to vacation, their constant need for achievement and sense of responsibility duelling with their intention to be carefree.
Resist the temptation to dive into work headfirst. When planning your vacation build in a day of transition and recovery before returning to normal, including keeping your auto-response to emails alive as a buffer. Digital workplace journalist Alexandra Samuelfurther, recommending before leaving that you schedule a couple of lunch or coffee dates after your return with people you’ll enjoy seeing, so that you have something to look forward to.
She suggests coming back from a vacation is a good time to establish new practices that further enhance your energy and productivity. Seek out habits and routines that feel replenishing in your day-to-day life. That might include exercising, shutting off notifications, blocking distractions or writing in a journal each night.