Uff, do you know that? The days before the big summer vacation are often more stressful than the entire months before. The to-do list at work needs to be completed, the apartment needs to be spruced up one last time. You start your vacation completely exhausted - no wonder your mind can't rest. And after the vacations? The relaxation is gone in no time at all. This time will be different. We have researched good strategies to make our big dream come true: go on vacation stress-free, recharge your batteries and enjoy them for a long time afterwards. Here's how!

Before the vacation

The perfect vacation preparation is - like so many things in life - a question of organization. The earlier we start, the better.

➺ The destination Where should the trip go? It promises to be particularly relaxing to do something completely different than usual and thus balance out one-sided stress. If you only sit at the computer, get out into nature. If you are a brain worker, you should get some physical exercise. If you are constantly dealing with people, you will find the necessary leisure time when you are alone.

➺ S chedule When you have booked your trip, make a list of what needs to be done: wash your summer clothes, pack your suitcase, let your neighbors know... Complete just one task a week before your vacation - even if you have to start two months beforehand. This also increases anticipation.

➺ Don't start your vacation from your desk with buffer days. There should be at least two days between the start of your vacation and your departure. On these days, you can take care of forgotten little things and take a deep breath.

➺ A vailability You can answer the phone for friends and family - no question. But the boss? Your colleagues? They'll be fine. If not, set a time with them, for example only in the morning between nine and ten o'clock. Then you only have to answer once a day.

During your vacation

Just don't get stressed - there's enough stress at home. Time out, dividing up tasks and conscious enjoyment are the order of the day.

➺ Things to do There is usually plenty to discover locally - or you can go to the neighboring town. However, you shouldn't pack your vacation days too full. Listen to yourself: how much action feels good?

➺ Cooldown Nobody can go from 180 to zero in a few hours. Take your time and don't put yourself under pressure. It's best to undertake small activities in the first few days and only take quiet, lazy days later. This will break the mental cycle.

➺ Division of labor Washing up, cooking, etc.: there's also a lot to do in the vacation apartment. What helps? Make a plan of who's doing what in turn. And if the children can't manage it so well - then don't do it! Mom has a break.

➺ Time out Schedule an island of time for yourself every day when you are not available to the rest of the family. What you do then is entirely up to you. You can also just look at the clouds.

➺ Consciously recharge your batteries Now is the ideal time to take in the little things, such as a colorful meadow of flowers. Take a close look. A very good exercise: close your eyes, sit down and turn your attention inwards. Pay attention to how your belly rises and falls as you breathe. Your breathing deepens and you become calmer and calmer. If you are aware of every minute, your vacation energy will last much longer.

After the vacation

Of course, a vacation always goes by far too quickly. You should take as much relaxation as possible with you into your everyday life.

➺ Return Allow yourself some time to arrive. The vacation laundry doesn't have to go in the machine as soon as you arrive. And cleaning the bathroom can certainly wait another day. Instead, sit down with the family, have a good meal and tell each other what was the best thing you did.

➺ Click moments Take another look at all your vacation photos. Which one shows the most impressive moment? Which one gives you a feeling of peace, enjoyment and serenity? Download it as a background to your cell phone or computer screen. One look at it will bring back that wonderful vacation feeling every day.

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