Auto Europe understands the stress people are trying to escape when they go on holidays; here’s how to make sure you don’t take it with you.
Holidays should be a chance for you to relax, recharge, and escape from the stress of your daily life, says Auto Europe, but all too often people’s minds are at work even while their toes are in the sand. Most people do enjoy their vacations, of course, but if you return home only to bounce immediately back to pre-holiday stress levels then your trip hasn’t done you much good. Make sure that you fully relax and let go of all that tension while you’re gone, and return refreshed and with much less stress with these tips from Auto Europe, an international car hire company.
- Put away your smartphone. For your holidays to be completely rejuvenating, says Auto Europe, you need to disconnect from your normal routine and be fully present in the moment. Keep your phone, iPad, or laptop put away – or leave them at home. You probably will not want to leave your phone behind, but you can avoid using Internet features to check work or other projects and use it only for necessary phone calls.
- Personalise your holidays. Your ideal holidays may include sitting by the ocean – or they may not. People often report high levels of enjoyment and serenity during beach trips, so this may be just the perfect thing for you. Another option to keep in mind, though, especially if your holidays often centre on the beach, is to add an activity that gets you out of your comfort zone, such as a surfing lesson. Or skip the beach this year altogether and go for something unique, perhaps a thrill-seeking adventure or a car tour through Europe. The important thing is to pick something that fits your personal style – otherwise, you may come home more, not less, stressed out.
- Handle jet lag like a pro. Regardless of what time it is back home, don’t go to bed in the middle of your first day on holidays. Auto Europe recommends holding off until at least 8pm local time to adjust to the new time zone much faster. If you go to bed too early, you will likely be awake in the middle of the night – again – and your jet lag will just be prolonged.
- Know what to pack and how to dress. In the busy time before you leave, don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your destination. In many areas the weather changes quickly; even if you are going 200 miles or fewer from home, don’t assume the weather will be exactly the same as it is where you live. Double check to avoid not having the extra sweater you need – or having nothing but jeans when it is going to be over 37 degrees most days. Do not pack valuables that you don’t need; it’s too easy to lose them.
- Plan, plan, plan. This doesn’t mean that every minute of your holidays should be scheduled, but it does mean that before you leave, you should take the time to thoroughly research the area you will be visiting and take care of arrangements like renting cars and booking hotels. You should also plan details like wearing shoes that are easy to take off if you will be flying, or packing bottled water if the water at your destination might be questionable for drinking, suggests Auto Europe. And start planning your next holidays when you get home from this one – knowing that you have holidays coming up, and when, can help you handle the day-to-day stress of the normal grind.
Your holidays should help you relax and feel refreshed, not just while you are there, but after you return. If you can, Auto Europe recommends buffering your holidays with a day before you leave and a day after you get home; this can give you time to pack, take care of any last-minute arrangements, and make the transition from work to recreation without feeling rushed. Plan at least some downtime during your holidays to completely relax, physically and mentally, and don’t forget to laugh and have a great time – healthy, fun activities that can help you make the most of your time away from work as well as the precious time you have to spend with your family or travel companions, says Auto Europe.