Holidays aren’t just a break from your schedule: they can be a transformative opportunity if you take them seriously. Below is a list of essential questions—practical and personal—that can help you close the cycle with intention and open the door to a truly restorative break.
- What do I need to complete before I leave? Prevent pending issues from becoming intrusive thoughts during your break. A clear and decisive checklist is your best ally.
- Have I communicated my absence correctly? My team, clients, and contacts should know you’re leaving. A good “Out of Office” message avoids unnecessary emergencies.
- Have I anticipated what will happen during my absence? Are there any deadlines or meetings that fall on your days off? Delegate strategically and get everything under control.
- What kind of disconnection do I want? Will you be without a phone, available only for emergencies, or somewhere in between? Define your level of connection… and stick to it.
- How do I want my return to be? Avoid post-vacation chaos. Plan a gradual return with space to recover.
- What do I need emotionally during this vacation? Physical rest? Personal connection? Adventure or introspection? Be honest with yourself.
- Am I satisfied with the professional direction I’m on? A little distance can give you perspective. What’s working? What could evolve?
- What purpose drives me right now? Reconnect with what inspires you. Does what you’re doing make sense to you beyond the outcome?
- What would I like to learn, discover, or experience during this break? Vacation can also be fertile ground for curiosity. What would you like to explore?
- How can I return with more balance? Think of small changes you could integrate into your post-break routine. More presence, less autopilot.
I’ll share a quote from Robert Orben I love that perfectly sums up what vacation is all about.
“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it.”
And I’ll end with one last thought:
“Going on vacation isn’t just about getting away from work. It’s about getting closer to yourself. And for that, these questions may be the best suitcase you pack.”