Do you spend the first few days of your vacation trying to shed stress and worries from work?  Here are eight tips to quickly relax and make the most of your precious vacation days. 

 Vacations are a time to rejuvenate and re-energize.  Many companies require vacations to be taken within a certain time period or the time is lost.  This is not meant as punishment but as encouragement to take time away for better health.  Be a good example to others around you and schedule regular time away from work.  To make the most of vacation days try these tips to relax quickly and focus on family and friends.  Try them all or choose a few that are readily available to you.

1. Get outside in the natural world, out of buildings and away from desks.  Put yourself in a very different environment than your work week.
2. Turn off the alarm clock.  Let your body find its natural rhythm for activity.
3. Breathe in the beauty that surrounds us every day and largely goes unnoticed.  Look around and breathe.
4. Take a walk and notice everything, leaves on the trees, birds chirping, water rushing by, grass growing…
5. Sit still and focus only on your breath.  Let other thoughts and distractions pass through your head as you focus on your breath entering and leaving your body.
6. Feel the clean air in and around you.
7. Plan a fun activity for each day of your vacation.  Just the act of planning will help get your mind and body ready for a different experience.
8. Take a nap!  Find a hammock for ultimate relaxation.

Tags: personal development, self care, time management