Switch off on vacation: This is how you are guaranteed to leave everyday life behind you

Where fewer people are working, the rest are working even harder. The shortage of skilled workers is therefore leading to increasing physical and mental stress for the remaining employees. This also affects leisure time: On the one hand, the need for relaxation is growing; on the other, stressed people find it particularly difficult to escape from everyday life. So that you don't need half your vacation to get into the holiday spirit, we asked ourselves how you can switch off much faster. First of all: It's easier than you think...

The process of switching off actually begins with proper planning for the last few days of work. Sure, important things still need to be done and other to-dos need to be handed over – so stressful periods before vacation aren't always avoidable. But at the very end, all you should really be doing is creating a checklist for returning to the office and (highly recommended!) tidying up your workspace.

Heading straight home, packing your bags, and heading off on vacation? Better not. If you treat yourself to a few days at home first, your travels will be much more relaxed. Unless, of course, you've booked a 10-hour flight, in which case the relaxation will be over pretty quickly. Therefore: short distances are often the better option.

Either way: You're not traveling to "work through" a schedule. That means you can't set your phone alarm, and you can sleep as long as your body and soul need. Nature won't run away from you any more than your wellness oasis. And some top hotels even offer culinary delights around the clock.

Psychologists also agree that there's nothing wrong with a little idleness, especially during the first few days in your dream hotel. After that, it's all about the mix, because the more varied your time, the longer it will seem.

Speaking of which: How long should your vacation be? In an interview, German stress expert and psychotherapist Gerhard Zimmermann recommends taking two weeks of vacation at a time at least once a year, preferably three. The rest of your annual vacation budget can also be used up in the form of shorter breaks – if you use the time wisely.

All experts agree on one point: Cell phones have no place on the mountain, in the spa, or even at the dinner table. There may be cases where you need to remain reachable to a certain extent. But even here, the rule applies: Limit work-related contact to at least certain times of the day, for example, early morning and/or late evening. Even better, of course, would be a complete "digital detox."

All that's left is the journey home – just like the first few days of vacation, it needs to be planned just as well. Because going straight from the relaxing outdoor pool to the office isn't doing yourself any favors. Plan at least one day at home to get back to normal life. Slowly return to your routine. And consider whether your first day back at work after the holidays really has to be a Monday.

The key now is to make the positive effects of the vacation last as long as possible. A little tip: It helps to start planning your next trip right away...

The 4*S Hotel Der Löwe in Leogang, with its motto "live free," aims to make it easier for you to unwind on vacation. As guests, you can truly feel "free" and unwind in the high-quality wellness area, explore the fantastic mountain scenery of Salzburg's Pinzgau region, or enjoy the special creations of Alpine-Mediterranean cuisine. The warm hospitality of the Madreiter family is a further bonus. If you use our contact form, we'll even be "free" to put together a customized offer for you.