Top 5 Tips for Taking a Relaxing Vacation

Also read: Celebrate National Plan for Vacation Day by Using All Your Vacation Time

3.    Decrease your screen time

Recent research from the American Psychological Association shows those who constantly or often check their text, email and social media accounts, labeled “constant checkers,” experience higher stress levels than those who take breaks from regularly checking their devices. Workers who checked their work email on their days off are found to experience even higher levels of stress. These technology-driven stressors in combination with stress surrounding the current political climate can result in less than relaxing screen time. When thinking about how to relax on vacation this summer, finding ways to enjoy yourself while decreasing your time spent online could be key to unlocking the relaxing vacation you’ve been needing.

4.    Recognize acute stress

Acute stress is the most common form of stress in our lives and is healthy, even exhilarating and energizing, in small doses. Sources of acute stress range from the immediate demands of physical activity to anticipating where you’re taking the family for dinner later in the evening. While engaging in small amounts of acute stress can be a great way to try new activities and enjoy a stress free vacation to the fullest, it’s also important to recognize the symptoms of too much acute stress in order to avoid mishaps and have a relaxing vacation. Plan your activities with adequate down time in between to prevent over exertion that could lead to injuries or other ailments while keeping in mind accidents happen to everyone. Ensure you have adequate medical coverage and emergency medical transportation coverage for your trip to help minimize stress and fully prepare for a relaxing vacation before you depart.

5.    Enjoy yourself

Some American travelers may be suffering from chronic stress due to lack of self-care, among other factors. Vacation is a great time to put yourself first and try fun, new activities with those you care about most; add a few to your itinerary to plan a relaxing vacation everyone will remember for summers to come.