How Can You Enjoy Your Summer Vacation and Avoid Burnout?

Most people are so focused on avoiding work burnout that they neglect to consider how vacations can cause burnout. They are generally chock-full of adventures, excursions, and packed itineraries. Relaxing is difficult when you’re always on the go, and it’s hard to forget about the anxiety leading up to vacation. Travel mishaps occur frequently. Simply planning a trip may lead you to burnout. So, how can you enjoy your summer vacation and avoid burnout? Well, this question has piqued lots of curiosity. 

The best thing you can do is practice relaxing techniques and coping mechanisms. By doing so, you can become equipped to handle any mishap that comes your way. If you need a little extra support in avoiding vacation burnout, seek treatment today. 

What Is Burnout? 

The history of the term “burnout” dates back to the 1970s. According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), burnout was coined in the 1970s by the American Psychologist Herbert Freudenberger. He used it to “describe the consequences of severe stress and high ideals in ‘helping’ professions.” That includes doctors, nurses, and other professionals whose work focuses on helping others. While the stress of helping professionals is incredibly high, everyone is at risk of experiencing burnout in their careers. The NLM claims burnout can “affect anyone, from stressed-out career-driven people and celebrities to overworked employees and homemakers.”

Additionally, the symptoms of burnout are often similar to symptoms of anxiety or depression, making it difficult to diagnose. According to the NLM, the three main areas of burnout symptoms include: 

1. Emotional and physical exhaustion

   , causing people to be unable to cope with stress

2. Alienation

   from distancing themselves from stressful situations, thus causing burnout

3. Reduced performance

   at work, school, or in completing home tasks

Professionals highly discourage self-diagnosis. Recovering from burnout is possible, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed for seeking professional treatment today. 

How to Enjoy Your Vacation More 

There are certain things you can do to make your vacation less stressful. The first thing to do is research. Researching your destination before making the trip allows you to be more prepared and alleviate some anxiety you may have. You can also better determine what you may want to do. The reality is you can’t do everything while you’re on vacation. Accept that and enjoy what you can. 

It’s also wise to leave yourself pockets of free time throughout the trip. For example, by leaving early for the airport, you can better handle any mishap that arises, such as traffic or issues checking in your luggage. 

While on the topic of luggage, another great way to enjoy your vacation is to pack light. Many people make it a point of only traveling with a carry-on. Not only will this ensure the airline doesn’t lose your luggage, but you’ll have less to keep track of throughout the trip. No one wants to deal with lost luggage. Cut out the risk by taking only a carry-on with you on your next excursion. 

Taking Time for Self-Care While on Vacation 

As mentioned, the primary reason people experience burnout on vacation is that they are constantly on the go. If you return from vacation more exhausted than you left, was it really a vacation? The best way to get the best of both worlds is by prioritizing time for self-care while on vacation. Opportunities for self-care are endless. If you are on a tropical island, find a quiet place to relax, soak up some sun, and read a good book. If you’re on a skiing trip, book an appointment at the resort’s spa. Nothing says self-care quite like a massage and luxurious spa day. 

You can also focus on self-care by maintaining everyday practices while on vacation. If your daily routine consists of morning yoga, meditation, or exercise, find a way to keep doing that. People take vacations to get away from the stress of everyday life. That doesn’t mean you should abandon your healthy everyday practices just because you’re on vacation. 

Take a Vacation 

Despite the stresses of traveling, at the end of the day, it can benefit your mental health. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) even offers tips on maintaining mental health while traveling. Being able to enjoy your vacation while avoiding burnout is simply about finding balance. It’s okay if you have yet to find this balance, though.

If you are looking to put yourself on a path to better wellness, contact Sokya today. You may find that by embarking on a path to wellness, you’re able to avoid all kinds of burnout, including burnout on vacation.

While vacations are meant to be relaxing, they sometimes end up being incredibly stressful. Ironically enough, people plan vacations to avoid work burnout, but it’s easy to get burnt out during vacation too. They are generally loaded with adventures, excursions, and packed itineraries. This makes it hard to find time to relax. Travel mishaps occur frequently. You can’t prevent these mishaps, but there are steps you can take to cause less stress while planning. By researching your destination, preparing for your trip, packing light, and taking time for self-care on a trip, you can avoid burnout and enjoy your vacation the way it should be enjoyed. If, however, you find yourself struggling, call SokyaHealth at 800-930-0803 today. We can help you on your path to wellness today. In learning more about wellness, you’ll learn the tools necessary for avoiding it on your next summer vacation.