For many professionals, the struggle to leave their work behind and fully relax on their time off is all too familiar. Whether unwinding in a hotel room or lounging beside a pool, it can be a challenge to focus on resting, enjoying time with friends and loved ones, and leaving your worries for another day. Luckily, there are plenty of steps you can take to make the most of your vacation without bringing your job with you. Here are a few things you should know about.

How to Leave Work Behind While You’re on Vacation

1. Clear Up Priority Tasks First

It can be difficult to relax during your time off when you know you’ve left behind several important tasks or unfinished to-do lists. You can secure some peace of mind by prioritizing the most important tasks before you take off.

Review your calendar and identify which tasks might not be able to wait until after you return. Consult with your colleagues about sharing the load or notify them about which tasks you’ll be completing before you leave. Clearing these up will enable you to rest easy, knowing that anything you leave behind can wait.

2. Don’t Check Your Work Email

It can be extremely difficult to leave behind work phones, computers, and business email accounts while vacationing. Although your hotel may offer free Wi-Fi or a business suite, avoid the temptation to check in on your teammates, and use your time off to relax and indulge in some of your favorite pastimes. 

If necessary, set aside a short, specific period of time each day for emergency work communication. Outside of that time, avoid checking messages and emails.

3. Plan Your Return to Work

Jumping straight back into your normal workload upon returning from vacation can undo a lot of the rest and relaxation you’ve enjoyed. Instead, make a plan to ease yourself back into your routine. You might find it useful to schedule a light working day for your first day back, consisting of checking and responding to messages, catching up with colleagues, and planning your tasks for the weeks to follow.

For your next vacation, book a relaxing stay at Stevens Inn in Carlsbad, NM. They offer more than 200 comfortable hotel rooms along with an outdoor pool, free high-speed internet, room services, and a full breakfast buffet. Guests can take advantage of Carlsbad’s finest dining and entertainment venues only minutes away. Call (575) 887-2851 to make a reservation, and find out more about their amenities by visiting them online.