It comes as no surprise that holiday vacations generate a lot of
stress. Hectic travel plans, added expenses, and family
reunions can take the joy out of the holidays. You return to
work more frazzled than when you left.
Vacations and holidays are supposed to be times of rest and
recreation, a time to drop off some of that workplace stress and
relax. Instead of joking about coming back to work to rest up,
you should have pleasant memories about the vacation and be even
more productive because of the break in your work routine.
Here are 10 ways you can de-stress the time off and boost your
energy level
1. Budget – The cost of your vacation should not come as a
surprise, and you don’t need to max out your credit cards.
Instead of being stressed by the high cost of travel and
entertainment, you’ll be happy to know that it’s already paid
for.
2. Payroll – Ask your immediate supervisor and accounting to
double check your payroll records two weeks before your vacation
to make sure you don’t have a problem with your compensation
while traveling.
3. Teamwork – Work out a schedule so team members pick up your
workload while you’re away. Come back to an empty inbox; then
do the same for them.
4. Travel Planning – Ask HR to coordinate in-house vacation
planning seminars. Local travel agents will be happy to
explain their services and the shortcuts they use.
5. Preplanned Travel Packages – Leverage your company’s
business volume and get discounts through the company’s
preferred travel agents.
6. Research – The internet for some great deals.
7. Schedule – Plan an extra half-day off before your vacation
begins to make last minute arrangements Taking care of the
details can add a lot of stress to an already overloaded
schedule.
8. Priorities – Arrange for a thirty-minute conference with
your supervisor two weeks before your vacation to make sure you
both have the same priorities. You don’t want last-minute
deadlines the day before your departure.
9. While You Were Out – Ask your supervisor to make daily notes
about what happens while you are away. And ask your boss to
schedule a half hour upon your return just to talk about work
details that will help you be more productive.
10. Take Time To Enjoy Yourself – You’ll enjoy the vacation far
more if you schedule a full week or two. Use the first half to
unwind and the second half to relax and enjoy yourself.
Use the time between vacations to plan, schedule, and save the
money you’ll need to enjoy yourself with a stress-free vacation.
Your boss will appreciate the increased productivity as much as
you appreciate the time off.
The Leadership Edge: Leaders are more vulnerable to the effects
of workplace stress than any of their employees. Pay attention
to your own health and well-being, or your leadership will
suffer.
Copyright 2010 – Dale Collie