Stress management

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• April 25, 2012 3:28 p.m.

  I think one thing that makes people say vacations are stressful is that they have to work "ahead" before they can leave, and then "catch up" when they get back--a little at home and a LOT at work.

  - Fiorella Zamata

• September 3, 2010 11:41 a.m.

  As a travel agent I see the issue often with people using the internet to plan trips and working harder to have fun than they should. As with anything else we do if we learn to rely on professionals, like travel agents, our lives and 'fun time' can be that much better.

  - Andrea

• August 10, 2010 5:52 a.m.

  For vacations that may be stressful, I start packing and getting things together a week ahead, but travel kits for toiletries I need, take care of any correspondence and home maintenance. Then it's just waiting for the day to start vacation. To counteract any stress I experience during the year, I always take a 10 day retreat vacation, no phones, laptops or electronic devices, but leave emergency #'s if any should arise, and always return at least two days before I have to return to work. Just being without distractions, in a peaceful environment, without any angst making events is the best thing I do for myself each year. I look better, feel better and the effect lasts for months. I have been doing this for 10 years. It's one habit I am not looking to change.

  - Pema

• July 29, 2010 11:22 a.m.

  When I plan a vacation, I get stressed at least two weeks before I leave for the trip. So many errands to run and chores to do beforehand. Needless to say, packing alone causes a great deal of stress. And, with kids along, there is always a need to fill time with activities so that they aren't bored. Of course, when you're paying big bucks for a hotel room, you want to take advantage of special offers in the area. However, everyone has a different idea of a relaxing vacation. I prefer to sit on the beach and read and enjoy the ocean. And, the very concept of returning home to open mail, listen to voice mails, unpack, do laundry (numerous loads!!), go food shopping, etc., etc. just causes stress in and of itself. I'm confident that most women can relate to what I'm saying. -- Carol

  - Carol

• July 27, 2010 11:02 a.m.

  I take off more time than I will be gone. I start backing a week before I go. That way the week of my leaving I can focus on other things. When I come back from my trip I have a few days to to wash clothes and recover from jet lag. I have 2 or 3 days to re-amp before I have to go back to work. This always helps me not get burned out.

  - Heather

• July 26, 2010 10:29 a.m.

  For me a vacation is wonderful. The stress is when I have to stop being on vacation and go back to work. I think one thing that makes people say vacations are stressful is that they have to work "ahead" before they can leave, and then "catch up" when they get back--a little at home and a LOT at work. Workplaces should not begrudge their workers some time off by making it hard to get away, or feel threatened they might miss something, or even not have a job to come back to. And workers should not schedule their vacation so tightly and try to do everything in a few days. I have never been able to take a vacation longer than one week and I have never wanted one to end. (And it isn't because I hate my job!) I would love to have enough vacation available so I could take a day here and there without giving up that week of being completely "away."

  - Susan

• July 25, 2010 5:00 p.m.

  Exercise on a treadmill is helpful to relieve stress. Treadmills

  - steve

• July 23, 2010 6:31 p.m.

  The greatest stressor is money.. whether having too much or none of it.

  - Ben