Trade the To-Do List for Tranquility: Four Steps to a Real Vacation
Hey Come Monday crew! Paula Rizzo, productivity expert and author of Listful Thinking and Listful Living, here to talk about something near and dear to my heart: truly disconnecting on vacation.
Have you ever heard the term "leavism"? It's that sneaky phenomenon, highlighted in a few years back by a thought-provoking BBC article, where we use our precious days off to just... catch up on work. Sound familiar?
That kind of "vacation" is a fast track to burnout. Our time away should be a genuine escape, a chance to hit reset and return to our desks feeling refreshed and recharged. That's the whole point, right?
But let's be honest, actually switching off isn't always easy. Even I, a productivity guru, have wrestled with letting go of work while trying to relax. Saying you'll unplug is one thing; actually doing it is another.
So, how do we make sure our hard-earned time off is truly that – time off? Here are four steps to help you trade the to-do list for tranquility:
Step #1: Chart Your Course (Well Before Departure)
Just like any successful project, a real vacation starts with a plan. As soon as those vacation dates are locked in, start working backward. Channel your inner live TV producer (that was my former life!) and schedule all the must-do tasks that need to be completed before you leave. This "backtiming" ensures you can walk out the door on time, knowing everything is handled.
Take it a step further and create daily mini-lists leading up to your departure. Be realistic about what you can accomplish each day. This way, when you're finally sipping that beachside cocktail, you won't have that nagging feeling that everything is falling apart back at the office.
Step #2: Draw a Line in the Sand (and Stick to It!)
Boundaries are your best friend when it comes to a real vacation. Activate that "out of office" message with specific dates of your return. Let key clients know you'll be away and who they can contact in your absence. Don't be afraid to give yourself an extra day upon your return to ease back into the workflow – setting realistic expectations is key.
In our hyper-connected world, it's tempting to constantly check emails, but resist! Stand firm with colleagues and let them know you'll be unreachable. As Arianna Huffington famously suggests, some even go as far as deleting emails received during their absence, requiring senders to reach out again upon their return. Now that's a boundary!
Step #3: Embrace the Now (Mindfulness is Your Passport)
When you're on vacation, be on vacation. Immerse yourself in the present moment. Look around, feel the sun on your skin, listen to the sounds of your surroundings. Dig your toes in the sand and truly feel it. Don't let your mind wander back to spreadsheets and deadlines.
This takes practice. Our brains are so accustomed to work mode that triggers can be unexpected – a TV commercial, a waiter's name. When you feel those work-related thoughts creeping in, have a strategy to redirect. Consider creating a self-care list you can turn to in those moments.
Step #4: Gently Re-enter Orbit (Ease Back In)
Eventually, the vacation bubble will burst, and it'll be time to return to reality. I know, it's a tough transition! But it doesn't have to be a jarring one. Be kind to yourself. I always build in an extra day after a trip to unpack, catch up on laundry, and mentally prepare to dive back in. Jumping straight back into the deep end can be overwhelming. Give yourself that buffer – even a morning can make a difference – so you can return to the office feeling refreshed and ready, not frazzled.
Let's make "leavism" a thing of the past. By planning, setting boundaries, being present, and easing back in, we can truly make the most of our time off and return to our work lives feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle whatever comes our way. Happy travels, Come Monday readers!
Source: This post was inspired by and incorporates insights from Paula Rizzo's original article published on May 7, 2025.
