4 Ways to have a refreshing Vacation
This is Part Two of our series on having a productive and refreshing vacation.
Read Part One Here.
In our previous article, we discussed the benefits of a productive vacation. The question that arises from that is. “How do we attain these benefits?” This is what I will address in this article, in four simple points.
Too many people return from vacations even more tired, frustrated and burned out than before they left. This is the result of choosing the wrong time or location, or not planning properly. These four tips will help you feel refreshed after a vacation instead.
1. Plan Ahead
The most crucial step to having a refreshing vacation is to plan in advance. This includes deciding where to go, when to go, how much money to budget for the trip, and how to delegate your responsibilities while you are gone. Each of these points are crucial.
Choosing the wrong destination can lead to unwanted stress when you find the location not conducive to relaxing. Going at the wrong time of the year will defeat the entire purpose of a vacation if it is a busy time at work. You will find yourself bogged down with emails and working remotely, instead of enjoying your vacation.
Not allocating enough money to cover the expenses of the trip will leave you stressed about money the entire trip, ruining the experience. And finally, not delegating your responsibilities back home and at work to someone responsible will leave you worried and anxious throughout the trip.
Take the time to plan these four aspects of your journey months in advance: where, when, how much, and who to delegate to. This will reduce your travel stress significantly, and allow you the time and freedom to enjoy your trip.
2. Choose your timing wisely
Timing is essential when deciding to go on vacation. You want to not only keep in mind busy and quite times at work, but also which times of the year you are most burned out and in need of a break.
For me, the best time to go is immediately after my busiest month at work. The busiest month is usually followed by the quietest month, and I am significantly drained enough to require a break.
Think carefully when choosing the time of the year to take off, in order to maximize your benefits.
3. Cut off all work while on vacation
If possible, completely break from work while travelling. Take official leave, delegate your tasks to others, and put your email on auto-response. Do whatever you need to do in order to make sure you are 100% on break. Your mind, body and soul all need time to completely relax, refresh and reboot.
Remember that you are doing this so that you can operate better at work. So don’t feel guilty about ignoring your emails for a week or two while you recharge. A refreshing vacation will lead to increased productivity for many months, so it is a worthwhile investment.
4. Don’t forget your duties to Allah
Finally, as a Muslim remember that there is no vacation from obeying Allah. We need to follow Islam wherever we are. While Allah has given us some concessions while travelling like allowing us to shorten and combine our Salah, we still have obligations to towards Him.
Salah, Hijab, eating Halal, lowering the gaze, etc. are all still obligations when on vacation, so do not give these up. If you do let go of your worship while travelling, you feel return feeling guilty and regretful for taking the trip, and the impact of the trip will be completely lacking any Barakah.
Simply put: Take a vacation from work, not Islam!
Conclusion
These four tips will help you return home refreshed and recharged after travelling. Remember to plan ahead, go at the right time, break from work completely, and remain vigilant on your practice of the Deen. Do so and you will have a refreshing vacation.
In Part Three of this series, I will discuss the misconception some Muslims have that vacations are prohibited. Coming soon…
Want more productivity tips? Read Getting The Barakah today!
