This is a guest post by Priya Sharma, a wellness writer and mindfulness enthusiast who believes in the power of slow living. When she’s not journaling or exploring quiet corners of nature, she’s helping others create space to rest, reset, and reconnect.
We live in a world that celebrates being busy. With constant notifications, emails, and jam-packed schedules, it becomes harder and harder to slow down and disconnect. This means that many people say they’re “on vacation” but are actually still answering work messages or scrolling social media. Is it really a break if you’re bringing that noise with you? True rest during vacations requires more than just a change of scenery. It demands a shift in mindset. To help you achieve just that, here are six tips for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.
Focus on You
You might see your friends climbing mountains in Peru, visiting castles in France, or enjoying the beaches of the Philippines, and start to wonder if you’re missing out. Stop for a moment and remember that just because something is popular online doesn’t mean it’s right for you. In fact, chasing someone else’s dream vacation can leave you feeling unsatisfied. That’s why it’s important to ask yourself: What kind of trip would actually help me feel calm and joyful? Maybe it’s a luxurious weekend in a hotel in Cebu City in the Philippines, or a week discovering the charms of Ninh Binh in Vietnam. It doesn’t have to be the same options as what your colleagues and contacts are choosing.
Ultimately, your vacation is for you. Not for your followers, coworkers, or high school friends. So, let go of the pressure to go somewhere that’s popular on Instagram. Instead, focus on what truly makes you happy and go for it.
Keep Your Itinerary Flexible
While it’s tempting to plan every hour of your vacation down to the last minute, doing so can leave you tired or, worse, burned out. Furthermore, overplanning often turns your much-needed break into a checklist of things to rush through. So, have a plan, but don’t overdo it.
Let’s say you’re heading to Siargao or Bali. Yes, island hopping, visiting surf spots, and exploring waterfalls are exciting. Still, trying to hit every attraction in just a few days may stress you out. Instead, choose a few experiences that truly matter to you. Then, give yourself the freedom to do whatever you want at that moment. As a rule of thumb, aim for one major activity a day. Then, leave the rest of your time open for discovery or simply rest. That way, even if things take longer than expected, you won’t feel anxious or behind schedule.
Moreover, don’t underestimate the value of unstructured time. Sitting by the beach, watching the waves, or enjoying a slow breakfast might sound uneventful, but these moments often become the most memorable parts of a trip. And should you feel overwhelmed by the thought of planning your itinerary, create something that blends these three essential elements: rest, adventure, and entertainment.
Rest allows your body and mind to breathe. It covers moments of calm like sleeping in, getting a massage, or floating in the sea. Adventure, on the other hand, wakes up your senses. Even if you don’t consider yourself the adventurous type, trying something new like paddleboarding, eating a local delicacy, or hiking a scenic trail can invigorate your spirit. Finally, round out your vacation by attending a local concert, participating in a community festival, or even just enjoying your hotel’s on-site amenities like a shopping mall or a casino. When these three elements are in balance, you’ll feel not just rested, but also refreshed and inspired.
Bring Your Healthy Habits With You
Often, people see vacations as an excuse to abandon their usual habits. While this might seem like freedom, it can actually leave you feeling sluggish or off balance. So, instead of ignoring all of your usual routines while traveling, consider bringing your healthy habits with you. Moreover, maintaining your wellness routine, even partially, can enhance your travel experience by boosting your energy and mood. For example, find a nearby park or beach path if you enjoy morning walks or jogs. Or if reading helps you wind down at night, then pack your favorite book or e-reader.
Keep Work Far Away
As mentioned earlier, one of the hardest parts of taking a vacation is mentally letting go of work. This is especially true if you feel guilty or anxious about being offline. However, always keep in mind that your well-being benefits more from genuine time off than from always being “available.”
To help you tune out work or other non-vacation concerns, activate vacation mode in your communication apps and set an automatic reply in your email. Additionally, inform your colleagues early and coordinate any tasks you need to delegate. Most importantly, resist the urge to “just check in.” Doing so can easily suck you back into the mindset you’re trying to escape. Instead, trust your team, trust the process, and allow yourself to fully unplug.
Reward Yourself
Vacations are a chance to celebrate life, not just escape it. So, while it’s wise to be mindful of your budget, don’t be afraid to treat yourself. After all, you’ve worked hard for this. Maybe that means staying in a luxurious hotel, enjoying a multi-course dinner, or buying a handmade souvenir. Whether it’s your only trip of the year or one of many, allow yourself to enjoy it without guilt.
Slow Down and Be Present
Finally, the most important part of any vacation is simply being present. Give yourself the space to slow down, disconnect from the usual demands, and reconnect with what matters, like listening to the waves, tasting new food, and laughing with the people you’re with. Work will still be there when you return, but you’ll come back rested and maybe even a little transformed.
In the end, the best vacations aren’t the most expensive or the most packed—they’re the ones that let you rest, recharge, and reconnect with yourself. So, the next time you travel, give yourself permission to slow down. Tune out the noise, lean into the moment, and make rest the priority it deserves to be.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor