Everyone is busy working, making vacation plans and gearing up for what looks like, will be a fantastic summer.  With the exception of weddings, vacations are often the most planned events in our lives.  Whether you are going to the beach, the mountains, a lake, or overseas your thoughts of going away may entice you to start your vacation mentally, a few weeks before you actually go!  To help get you ready and come back refreshed, I'd like to offer a few tips on what I call, "The Vacation Launch Sequence".

First, it is important to recognize that you have not gone yet!  Now this may seem obvious, but how many of you have already started to get into the mood so enthusiastically that you are already beginning to put things off, knowing you can do them when you return?  All of this is done in anxious anticipation of the few relaxing days you will soon enjoy.  You can almost smell the salt air, the pine breezes, or just the absence of that phone ringing. Ahaaa.  But wait a minute, we still have _X_ number of days or weeks to go! 

Remember, you have not gone yet?  Life is what is happening while you are making other plans.  See it, do it, and put it away.  Nothing is more stressful than having a whole list of things you will have to do when you get back.  Don't diminish the benefits of your vacation by overloading yourself upon your return.  These lingering responsibilities tend to occupy space in your noggin while you are away.   If at all possible, get whatever you can out of the way before you go.  Unfinished business takes up energy in your subconscious bogging you down when you are away.  You should be away and having fun, not diminishing it with anxiety over what you will encounter upon your return.  By addressing it now, it will be out of your head and out of your way when you return.  Wouldn't it be nice to come back to a relatively empty desk?  One less hassle to address when you return!

Secondly, before you go begin making a list of what you need to address as part of your initial vacation planning process.  On my computer I have a list that has been modified every year for the past twenty years.  It provides a check sheet of those things needed and to be addressed before we go away.  If you would like a copy, just email me and I'll send it to you!  Lawn need cutting? Flowers require watering?  Did you find a place for the pets?  It is amazing how many small things can creep up on you at the last minute.  Take the time, while you have it, to develop a plan and follow it.  This can greatly reduce your stress.

Next, if you need to do some office work or be in touch while you're away, try to schedule times in advance when you can be reached or when you can get back to them.   Part of being away is to relax and/or take time for things you want to do.  Being in control of your schedule provides the boundaries you need so work does not "bleed" into your vacation time.  Work is work, and play is play.  When clear boundaries keep them apart, it leads to an improved home life, greater satisfaction during down time, and time to work guilt free.  I often have to work while on vacation and have found it very useful to schedule work time when it is convenient for me.  Try to talk with those you are vacationing with to find out what their ideas, priorities, and wants are for this vacation.  This will help you pay attention to their, and your needs to plan your work time when it will least interfere with those you are vacationing with.  Communicating intentions before you go, greatly enhances everyone's experience and helps you understand what is important to those you are with.

Finally, realize that when you return there will be a transition period.  Plan for it.  It would be a shame to return only to find yourself stressed out, while you should be in your vacation's lingering after glow.   Plan on taking some time to get back into being home, at work and dealing with all life has to offer.  Use the vacation as a reference of what life can be like, and plan some small mini vacations, lasting for a couple hours or a weekend, over the next few months, so you don't lose all you have gained in your time away.

Be well!

John