Huffington Magazine Issue 63 | Page 71

Exit BONNIE SCHUPP/GETTY IMAGES 1. SET BOUNDARIES. The “tyranny” of email or social media is a real stressor for many people, says Haight, and vacation often offers a little more wiggleroom when it comes to going off the grid. It’s a lesson that’s easily applied once back in the real world, she says. “I like the idea of being more mindful about the ways you’re going to be plugged in during the day.” Maybe that means no work email after dinner or turning the phone off a couple of hours before bed. Setting aside a few of times a day to check in rather than checking in constantly can help you feel more in control, she says. 2. RELIVE THE EXPERIENCE. If you really loved your vacation, take some time to share what was so special about it with close family and friends. Relish looking over your photos from the trip. Reliving the time you spent away can keep that relaxation response going, says Haight. While you’ll have to acknowledge that you are indeed back to the daily grind, you now have a new and memorable experience to carry with you. Don’t do anything just because you have to. Sure, you’re obligated to re- STRESS LESS “Make sure you are on vacation when you’re on vacation.” turn to work. But during the first few days back at your desk, allow yourself to slack on chores or cancel dinner plans that just weren’t exciting you, Cambria Bold wrote for Apartment Therapy. “Ask yourself this question,” she wrote: Do I feel happiest doing this thing right now, or am I doing it out of a sense of obligation? Is there something else I would rather be doing? You may find that this is a particularly hard thing to do: It feels selfish to focus purely on what you want to be doing. But for one day, it’s the key to feeling reinvigorated, rather than rundown. 3. SCHEDULE IN SOME FUN. Plan an activity during your first few days back that’s a little out HUFFINGTON 08.18.13