After working hard all year, holidays and time away from work are supposed to be our golden opportunities to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate.
We look forward to these precious breaks, whether it’s a trip away or simply enjoying time at home, free from the demands of our daily grind.
However, if you're anything like me, holiday stress can often disrupt our much-needed downtime in two significant ways.
Watch the video below or listen to the podcast (episode 150).
You Get Ill
During my last 3 holidays, I have been ill. It normally happens as soon as I start to relax, usually around day 2-3. And I know why. The run up to the break is usually manic. I'm rushing around getting ready and making sure everything is up to date so I can fully relax. Oh the irony! On my last trip to Turkey, I caught a nasty virus that knocked me out for half the week, turning my much-anticipated relaxation into a period of recovery.
This phenomenon isn’t just bad luck; when we are running on adrenaline and cortisol during periods of stress, our bodies are in a heightened state of “fight or flight,” which can temporarily boost our immune system to handle immediate threats. However, prolonged stress and continuous exposure to high levels of cortisol can eventually weaken the immune system and make us more vulnerable to infection. It’s as if our bodies, finally given the chance to rest, just let down their defences.
The Digital Distraction
The other major issue is the inability to switch off. Despite knowing the importance of unplugging, I find it so hard to actually do it. It should be easy – it's what I've been craving the whole year, time to just chill. But all that free time just feeds my addiction! I’m still checking my work emails every day, and still scrolling through Facebook and Instagram (this feels like a big guilty confession!).
But I know this behaviour isn’t unique to me; I see it happening with many other women as well. Our phones have become extensions of our work lives, making it difficult to truly disconnect.
The Importance of Switching Off
Switch-off time is crucial in our modern, busy lives, not just for our day to day wellbeing, but for our longterm health and longevity. We have limited opportunities to step away from our responsibilities, so when those moments arise, it’s essential to make the most of them and reduce holiday stress.
Here are a few strategies that can help:
- Set Boundaries: Before your holiday, set clear boundaries with work. Inform colleagues and clients of your absence, and resist the urge to check work emails or messages.
- More Effective Preparation: block out more time so everything is not last minute, ask for more help (work, home, whatever), postpone and delay non-urgent stuff – and not try to fit it all in.
- Digital Detox: Commit to a digital detox. Leave the laptop at home, set specific times to check your phone or, better yet, leave it in a drawer and only use it when absolutely necessary.
- Prioritize Health: Leading up to your break, take extra care of your health. Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and managing stress to avoid falling ill when you finally get the chance to rest.
- Mindful Relaxation: Before and during your break, engage in activities that promote relaxation and mindfulness. Whether it’s reading a book, meditating, or enjoying a leisurely walk, find what works for you.
A Work in Progress
I’m clearly still a work in progress, as many of us are. The key is to recognise these challenges and make a conscious effort to truly switch off and prioritise our wellbeing during our holidays so we can start to reclaim the relaxation we deserve. It’s worth it, not just for our mental health but for our overall quality of life, now and in the future.
So, as you plan your next break, remember to set those boundaries, put your health first, and give yourself permission to fully disconnect and not suffer from holiday stress. Your body and mind will thank you.
If you need any help with your health or hormones, or you'd like information on testing your cortisol, do contact us for information on how we can help.