Plan Ahead

Get the details out of the way before you go. Arrange transportation and accommodations. Have someone collect your mail or water your plants. Make copies of all your travel documents and keep them together and secure. Taking care of all of this in advance can alleviate your anxiety so you can focus on your trip.  

If you are heading to your family's vacation home, then make sure you have all the resources and amenities you will need to fully enjoy your trip. A comfortable patio set and a beverage air cooler can make a big difference when you are entertaining or relaxing outside. 

Set Boundaries with Work

When you are on vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is a work issue. Before you leave, wrap up any tasks and details that can't wait until you return. Give any relevant information to a coworker or supervisor so they can answer questions that may come up. Be clear that you will be out of touch and unable to respond to calls or emails. 

Leave Time to Relax

Oftentimes, it is tempting to plan out every moment of your trip so you can see and experience everything. This may seem like a good plan at the beginning, but you may set yourself up for exhaustion.

Leave plenty of time in your schedule for relaxing. You will want some free time to explore a shop you didn't know about or eat at a recommended restaurant. A too-strict schedule can leave you feeling anxious and rushed. 

Take Care of Yourself

Remember to take care of yourself. Even though you are on vacation, you should still find a few moments to meditate or practice some of your normal self-care habits. Try to eat well and get some exercise. You don't have to stick to your normal routine. It's okay to indulge, just don't overdo it. 

Employ Coping Strategies

Have a plan ready in case you find yourself experiencing high levels of stress or a situation that brings on panic. You can practice some yoga or take some time for deep breathing. Little habits like this can be extremely helpful. 

Stay Present

In a situation that is causing you undue worry, stop and reevaluate. Try to remain present in the moment. Observe what is happening and how you are feeling. Ask yourself if your fears and worries are a genuine concern at this moment, or if you are projecting a potential outcome that isn't likely to happen. 

Change Your Mindset

It's entirely possible to decide to be happy. If your mood is poor and you tend to focus on the negatives, then you will be more likely to find more things to be negative about. Why not make up your mind that you are carefree and excited to be on vacation? A positive state of mind can make all the difference. The more often you practice seeing the bright side, the more easily it will come. 

Distract Yourself

When you are on vacation, there are plenty of pleasant distractions to take your mind off your worries. If you are feeling anxious, take a walk on the beach or play with your kids in the pool. Switching your focus onto something fun and uplifting can instantly change how you feel. 

When you practice some techniques to cope with your anxiety and refocus your mindset, you will have a much better time. You will return from your trip relaxed and recharged, and ready to get back to your daily routine with more energy and focus. 

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