Tet holiday is a time for us to temporarily put aside work, seek peace and recharge, however, many people feel stressed before, during and after the holiday, making the moments that should be relaxing become stressful. How to put aside all burdens, fully enjoy every moment and return to the lightest state of mind? The answer lies in skillful preparation, a relaxed attitude and subtle secrets throughout the journey.
Inspiration begins with attitude
A vacation is more than just getting away from home; it’s also a chance to reinvent yourself. To get off to a good start, it’s important to be mentally prepared. The excitement of preparing for a vacation can last for weeks, but if not well-organized, it can become a source of stress.
“Make a list of essentials like passports, plane tickets, and weather-appropriate clothing,” advises Conde Nast Traveler journalist Olivia Morelli. “Don’t let packing become a last-minute burden.” A well-organized suitcase not only gives you peace of mind, but also saves you time when you need to find things.
Visualizing your trip in advance can also help motivate you. Think about how you would feel walking on the beach, having a cozy candlelit dinner, or simply reading a book in a quiet cafe. These images will not only spark anticipation, but will also help you get a clearer picture of what you want from your vacation.
Movement and stillness
The journey to your destination is often overlooked, but it is an essential part of your vacation. How you enjoy the journey can have a big impact on your mood for the entire trip. “Instead of seeing travel time as wasted time, turn it into an opportunity to relax,” says Jessica Boston, a psychologist in the US. A favorite book, a relaxing playlist, or a movie you’ve been meaning to watch can make a flight or train ride more enjoyable.
If you’re flying long-haul, pack a few little extras like a neck pillow, warm socks, or a sleeping mask to ensure you’re comfortable. On trains and buses, take the opportunity to look out the window. The sight of foreign lands can bring a sense of freedom and freshness that you rarely experience in your daily life.
For those who value comfort, consider upgrading your seat or opting for special services. Katy Nastro, an office worker, says she’s often willing to pay extra for a more spacious seat on her return flight. “Investing in comfort not only makes my experience better, but it also helps me start or end my vacation feeling more relaxed,” she says.
Enjoy every moment
Once you’re on the road, the most important thing is to learn to relax and enjoy the moment. This isn’t the time to race against a schedule or try to “optimize” everything, but rather the time to slow down and enjoy.
Spending time in nature reduces mental fatigue, increases happiness, and restores concentration, says positive psychologist Dr. Mahrukh Khwaja. So, “when you have the chance, take some time to breathe fresh air, walk on the beach, or immerse yourself in the mountains. Activities like walking, swimming, or even dancing are not only good for your health, but they also help you feel more relaxed.”
According to Leisure+Travel, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the local culture. Learning about the history, people, and unique features of the place you’re visiting not only enriches your experience, but also helps you forget about everyday pressures. “Moments of wonder at the beauty of a place or the hospitality of local people can evoke positive emotions like curiosity and gratitude,” says psychologist Dr. Khwaja.
Jessica Boston, a cognitive psychologist, adds that exploring new things improves long-term mental health. “When we experience a different environment, our brains expand our horizons and increase our expectations for new possibilities,” she says.
Allow yourself to slow down. Don’t try to cram your schedule with too many activities. Instead, take time to appreciate the little things—from the sunset on the beach to the birdsong in the morning. These moments not only nourish your soul, but also help you appreciate what it means to slow down.
Gently return to normal life
When the holidays are over, it’s inevitable that you’ll feel a sense of loss. But instead of rushing back to your normal routine, take some time to adjust. One effective way to do this is to take a buffer day before returning to work. “Go home a day earlier than you’re scheduled to go to work,” says Erin Florio, director of travel news site Travel. “This gives you time to rest, clean up, and mentally prepare.”
Unpacking as soon as you get home can also help you feel more organized and prepared. “Even if I get home at midnight, I always unpack my suitcase right away. It makes me feel like the vacation is over and I’m ready for the week,” says Kurt Fulepp, an editor.
If you're worried about the pile of emails waiting, try Meredith Carey's trick: "I spend 10 minutes every day while I'm on vacation cleaning out my inbox, deleting only the unimportant ones. This helps me avoid feeling overwhelmed when I return home with hundreds of unread emails."
To stay positive, plan your next trip. Having something to look forward to not only keeps your energy up, but also makes life more enjoyable.
Vacations are not just a time to get away from work, but also an opportunity to recharge and discover yourself. From preparing your mind, enjoying every moment of the trip, to gently returning to your daily life, every step contributes to a complete vacation. Let your vacation be a source of inspiration to help you live more positively, more confidently and ready to take on new challenges in life.
