The Tell Tale Signs

If you pay close attention to how your body feels and the thoughts that
traverse your mind, you'll know exactly when it's time to take a break. In
recent years, work and home schedules have become very hectic, increasing
mental and physical stresses and reducing life's enjoyments. The constant
bombardment of stressful thoughts places an enormous strain on all parts of
your body and mind. If you have any of the following signs: increased pain
levels, more muscle tightness, headaches, irritability and shortness of
temper or lack of creativity, it's probably time for a vacation.

Go Go Go

Many people mistakenly believe that success requires a 24 hour dedication
to their work. In fact, there is nothing farther from the truth. Pulling
away from work helps bring balance and a whole new perspective to your
career. It doesn't make much sense being successful and making lots of
money just to spend it at the doctor's office or in the hospital. A healthy
vacation maybe just what the doctor ordered when it comes to increasing
success and helping you live a long and healthy lifetime. Let's look at
some of the important things to keep in mind when you are planning your
vacation strategy. Experience a relaxing vacation and after several days
you will be enthusiastically back at your job ready to slay the
competition.

Resist the Urge to Do Too Much

If your vacation plan starts to mirror your daily life just in another
place and time, resist the urge to over do it. Sure there may be many
things to see and do, but you can't do it all and expect to relax.
Entertain the possibility that instead of doing and seeing it all on this
trip, maybe you might actually come back a second time to catch what you
missed. Don't get me wrong; you don't necessarily need to just sit in a
chair and drool, but vacation days chocked full like work days won't give
you the rest necessary to feel refreshed and revived.

The Art of Relaxation

Learning to relax is really difficult for many people and in fact is
actually an art. The first step to any healthy vacation is to just chill
and have some fun. In this day and age, work involves deadlines, schedules
and other commitments. Every minute of your day can be jammed with
meetings, answering emails and phone calls and taking kids to soccer or
swim team practice. Don't let your vacation be a series of planned "things
I have to do." The faster you can switch from work mode to vacation time,
the sooner your body and mind can start to relax. True relaxation is
learning to let go, creating real down-time and allowing yourself to do
just nothing.

Turn-off All Cell Phones, Email and Computers

Before you leave, create a "gone fishing" message to anyone who might
email you. Change the phone message on your voice mail announcing that you
will be unavailable for the next few days while you kick back and relax.
Absolutely though, stay away from the work impulse to check your email or
voice mail while on vacation. Relaxation time is about creating a different
rhythm or mind-set with your time and days. You can try getting up earlier
or staying up later, going off your normal eating schedule, reading the
local paper if you normally don't, taking a break from your rigorous
fitness schedule or anything else that separates vacation days from work
days.

In The End
There is great power in breaking the bonds that tie you to your work. When
it comes to your work, remember that you need to take a break to refresh so
you don't burnout. This is the time to recharge your batteries and come
back full of energy and raring to go. One resort uses a slogan that best
sums up the healthy vacation experience.

It says Relax. Rejuvenate. Restore. What more can be said!