The Stress-Free Vacation Blueprint for Leaders (Part 1)
I just got back from the most amazing two week vacation in Sitka, Alaska!
I’ve always had a hard time not working while on vacation... But I’ve learned that taking time away from work and being present is more productive and valuable than working during a vacation. Easier said than done, I know… but being able to fully disconnect as a leader is crucial to recharge and maintain healthy mental and physical wellbeing.
This being said, I’ve found that being able to fully disconnect from work requires some prep work! Nothing major, just a few things to prepare in the weeks leading up to your vacation or time off that will really allow you to stop stressing and step away guilt free.
Today’s article is Part 1 of “The Stress-Free Vacation Blueprint for Leaders” where we’ll review pre-vacation stress tips that will help you model best practices for your team, increase trust while you’re away, ensure alignment through communication, and arguably most importantly mitigate stress for yourself and your team so you can be intentional about your own wellbeing. With a clear plan in place, you'll be able to savor your vacation without any work-related worries!
7 Pre-Vacation Tips - Your Ticket to Zen Mode
Many of my clients have experienced pre and post vacation stress that can be more overwhelming than taking a damn vacation in the first place! Let’s be honest, pre-vacation chaos sucks and I certainly experience this anytime I’m planning time off, so I wrote this section for you (and for future vacation-preparing me). Here are some best practices to help you prepare and mitigate stress during your vacation:
Booking Like a Pro:
When booking your vacation, if possible, extend your vacation by one day after you get back. This will allow you to decompress and get prepared for re-entry.
Create a Checklist:
Make a comprehensive list of all pending tasks, deadlines, and ongoing projects. Prioritize tasks that need to be addressed before you leave and those that can wait until your return.
Identify potential bottlenecks or areas where assistance may be needed and make arrangements accordingly.
Plan Ahead:
For any tasks that need to be completed prior to your departure, time block your calendar and include any necessary links in the calendar invite that you need to complete the task. Be realistic about the time it will take you to complete each task or project and plan your time accordingly.
Configure your email and other communication platforms with an out-of-office message for your vacation dates mentioning your vacation dates and an alternate contact person for urgent matters. Schedule it to start 1-2 days before you leave, this allows for any last minute issues to surface and for you to handle them.
Block off time to handle unforeseen or last minute dumpster fires. You and I both know they come up and if they don’t, you have some extra time to get anything else done that will make you feel less stressed about stepping away! Win-Win.
Avoid scheduling any important meetings or tasks on the day of your return. Instead, plan ahead for re-entry! Setting aside time in your schedule for the day you return to catch up on emails, messages, and any urgent matters will allow you to “win catch up” instead of simply “playing catch up.”
Bold Bonus Tip: Want to take your pre-vacation Zen to the next level? How about starting your vacation a day early? Take a "Zen Day" to unwind, meditate, and mentally prepare for your vacation. Think of it as a little oasis of calm before the adventure begins – a game-changer for your vacation experience!
Communicate & Set Boundaries:
Inform internal and external contacts well in advance about your upcoming vacation and clearly communicate dates and expectations to your team, colleagues, partners, clients, and any other stakeholders. Make sure to provide an alternative contact person while you’re out.
Set clear expectations about how you can be reached in case of urgent matters, and establish criteria for what constitutes a true emergency. Let your team know that you will not be available for routine work-related communications during your vacation.
Delegate, Delegate, Delegate:
Delegate tasks and responsibilities to team members, and ensure they have the necessary resources and information to manage in your absence. By empowering your team with decision-making authority in your absence it will increase trust, help them feel more responsible and capable, and it will prevent minor issues from escalating to you.
What can you automate? Use automation tools for tasks that can be scheduled or automated, such as social media posts, email responses, and routine reports.
Don’t forget to delegate any necessary personal activities (Do you need someone to water your plants, grab your mail, and/or take care of your dog? Or your chickens? Just me?)
Engage in Mindfulness Activities:
Even with all of these tips, getting things done prior to leaving can be hectic. Remember to take breaks and engage in mindfulness activities like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help reduce stress and prepare mentally.
During your Vacation:
I get it, you may need to check in or complete something while on vacation, but do your best to limit check-ins. Define specific times when you'll briefly check emails or messages, if necessary. Avoid the temptation to constantly check in, as this defeats the purpose of disconnecting and models to your team that they are not allowed to fully connect. It also defeats the purpose of a vacation.
Have confidence in your team's abilities to manage things in your absence. Micromanaging from afar can increase your stress and their sense of your lack of trust.
Consider using apps or features that block or limit access to work-related apps and notifications during your vacation.
Remember, taking a vacation is not only beneficial for your well-being but also for the overall health of your organization. By effectively preparing for your time away, you'll be more likely to fully disconnect and come back refreshed and ready to tackle challenges with renewed energy. If there are any specific details about your role or organization that could help tailor these suggestions, please feel free to share.
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If this was helpful, come back next week. I'll be posting about post-vacation sanity strategies for smooth sailing back into reality and avoiding needing a vacation from your vacation. Until then… When's your next vacation? It doesn’t need to be super long or super far or super expensive.
