Česky
But why do we often find ourselves thinking about work emails even at the beach, only to return even more tired? Resting is a skill. So how can we make sure we truly recharge during our time off and don’t come back even more tired?
Here are 4 recommendations from experts at the Mental Rehabilitation Centre:
Anticipate the aftereffects of stress and give yourself time
- The brain can’t switch gears overnight; during the first 3 to 5 days of time off, the body gradually winds down from its work pace and releases internal tension. Ideally, plan for at least two weeks. It also helps to take an extra day off after returning home; this will give you space to ease back into your normal routine.
Don’t turn your vacation into another project
- You don’t have to visit every place in the guidebook or have a perfect, minute-by-minute itinerary. True relaxation comes when you do things without the pressure to perform and without feeling like you “have to” do anything.
Treat yourself to a digital detox
- Constantly checking your phone and social media keeps your brain on high alert. You don’t have to bury your phone in the sand, but set a rule to check it for, say, 15 minutes in the morning, and then try turning off notifications or leaving your phone alone. Your nervous system will thank you.
Respect your circadian rhythm and don’t overdo it with catching up on sleep
- There’s no point in trying to catch up on a year’s worth of sleep during the week—you’ll disrupt your circadian rhythm and only confuse your body further. A regular routine works much better; your body’s natural biological rhythm benefits most when you go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same times as usual.
Take care of yourself even after you return
A vacation shouldn’t just be a one-time escape, but a source of inspiration for how to take care of your mental health all year round. Mental hygiene, after all, is built on small, everyday habits. Let’s give our minds the same attention and care we normally give our bodies.
No matter where you spend your time off, we hope you find the space to pause, take a breath, and simply do what makes you feel good.
