The Mental Crash Before Vacation

The sound of the waves crashing on the beach echoes in your mind. You think of the sway of the trees, the salt in the air, and the sun on your skin. Ultimate relaxation is just days away. Vacation is calling your name, but all you can do is feel the weight of the world on your shoulders as you experience a “mental crash” just before you go. What is happening? Shouldn’t you be excited to go on vacation, rather than exhausted and stressed about the time off?

You are not the only one to feel that way. In fact, it is very common for people to experience a mental crash before they allow themselves the time to rest and recharge. Not only do vacations serve as a time to travel, explore, spend time with family and friends, etc., but they also serve as a much-needed break in your very busy life. Sometimes this requires extra preparation in advance of such a break, which only adds to the stress and hustle. If you are anything like me, you might put a lot of pressure on yourself to do and be the very best. You don’t have to feel guilty about going on vacation. Ask for the time off, and let your mind re-power. You’re likely to perform at a higher level at work when you give yourself the time to relax.

We live in a world of haste. We are taught that time is money, and money is the goal. But what is the point in making money if you don’t get to enjoy the fruits of your labor? You might find that you are actually more motivated to earn money if you learn how to also spend it. This does not mean you should be frivolous with your money; rather, you should be intentional about how you use it. Do something worth talking about. Go on an epic vacation. The work will still be there when you get back, so don’t take it with you. People tend to exhaust themselves until their body forces them to step back, but you don’t have to let yourself reach that point of sickness and fatigue. Do what you need to do to prepare for vacation, and then allow yourself to enjoy it.

We do better when our mind is right. Is it time for a break?

-Meghan Slaughter