According to the dictionary, vacation is “exemption from service, respite from work.” The word traces its origin back to this to the Latin for “to be empty, be free, have leisure.”
That fits my understanding. Vacation is supposed to be time away from work and all the projects of regular everyday life. Now, if you’re one of those people who sees vacation as just an overtime period for work, don’t even bother to read the rest of this post. Ditto if you think your vacation is time for you to put in some extra time to get ahead.
I think you’ll get the maximum benefit from your vacation if you use it as a time for rest, recovery, and enriching your life. It’s time to spend time with people that matter to you.
Cast off the surly bonds of the usual
Vacation works best for you if you don’t work. Unstructured time and new experiences can enrich your life but only if you allow it.
Vacations are great for getting ideas. They’re great for expanding your thinking. Vacations are great for learning and for rest and recovery. You can write, but don’t plan to write.
Getting the most from your vacation
Block out the time for your vacation well in advance. Once your vacation is on your calendar, hold it sacred. Then set about making this vacation the best ever.
Sketch out a preliminary plan for your vacation. Decide where you’re going to go. Decide who you’re going to spend time with.
About two weeks before your vacation is set to start, prepare for how you’re going to transition from the regular world to the vacation world. Figure out who will cover for you in case of emergencies. Handle the mundane details like setting up your “away from the office” email. I suggest you create a checklist for everything you need to do before you leave.
Don’t over-plan the vacation itself. Even if you’re going on a trip, allow time for rest and pleasant surprises.
Plan for a soft re-entry to your regular work. Give yourself a couple of days before you return to work to get back into your regular daily rhythm. Use the checklist you prepared before leaving to guide you for your first hours back.
If you don’t return to your regular work refreshed and full of ideas, you’re doing vacation wrong.
Takeaways
Vacation does its best magic when you don’t work.
Vacations are great for recovery, learning, getting ideas, and spending time with people you like.
Don’t over-plan your vacation. Leave room for rest and surprises.
You can write, but don’t plan to write.
Plan for a soft re-entry to your regular world.
If you don’t return to your regular work refreshed and full of ideas, you’re doing vacation wrong.