The Power of the Off Button: How to Actually Come Back From Holiday Refreshed

If you’ve ever needed a holiday to recover from your holiday… this one’s for you.

I know we all say it every year:
"This year, I’m coming back from holiday feeling like a brand-new human."

We’ve all imagined it. You, sprawled on a sun lounger, cocktail in hand, completely at peace. You’ve read three novels, your skin has that golden glow, the kids are entertained 24/7 (or maybe you’ve left them with grandparents and you're finally getting your time). You return to work revitalised, productive, smug.

But let’s be honest…

The reality often looks more like this:

You finally get to your sunbed, book in hand... only to remember five things you forgot to tell your team, three emails you “just need to check” (just in case), and a vague panic about whether Janet knows how to do the thing that she absolutely should know how to do. Your brain’s spinning, your body’s knackered, and the only thing being refreshed is your inbox.

By Day Two, you’re too tired for that sunrise run you swore you’d do “every morning because I finally have time.”

By Day Five, you’ve got a sore throat, dodgy tummy, or weird anxiety you thought you’d left at the airport.

Sound familiar? You might be dealing with what’s commonly known as leisure sickness aka the let-down effect. When you finally take your foot off the accelerator, your body goes, “Oof, thanks for that,” and promptly unpacks everything it’s been suppressing for the last six months.

But here’s the good news: coming back from holiday feeling rested is actually possible. It just takes a little prep.

How to Actually Prep for a Holiday That Restores You

These aren’t your typical “pack sunscreen and hydrate” tips. If you want to genuinely feel refreshed after a holiday, start here:

1. Stop taking on everything right before you leave

I know, I’ve done it too - jamming in last-minute projects, BBQs, and buying every holiday essential the day before the flight.
But if you don’t slow down before the plane takes off, your body will force you to slow down once you get there. Ideally with a sinus infection.

2. Don’t cram your weekends with back-to-back plans

Yes, summer is short and everyone wants to “make the most of it” but pacing yourself is the real glow-up.
Protect a few empty days before you go, even if it’s just to sit in silence and wonder why you own 14 pairs of sandals.

3. Get organised early (shocking, I know)

Start a to-do list a month before. Pack in stages. Delegate where you can.
If you're the default holiday planner, ask yourself: Is anyone else capable of booking a taxi to the airport?
(Answer: yes. Let them.)

How to Holiday Like Someone Who Wants to Return Rested

We’re not aiming for perfection. Just sanity.

Move your body

Yes, the sun lounger is calling, but your body doesn’t feel restored from stillness alone.
Swim a few lengths, go for a walk, explore the local town even if just to find the best croissant.

Switch off properly

Leave the business books at home.
You’re not switching off if you’re reading “10 Steps to Unlock Your CEO Potential” poolside.
Bring a crime thriller. A rom-com. Something that gets you lost in a world that isn’t your own.

Don’t turn your holiday into a workweek in disguise

Skip the rigid itinerary. You’ve spent all year with meetings on the hour - your break doesn’t need a spreadsheet.
Plan a few fun things, then leave space for naps, ice cream, and spontaneous dance-offs.

Lower your expectations (slightly)

If your version of relaxing is staying up until 1am drinking sangria and trying every beach club in the guidebook - own it.
But don’t expect to return like a Zen monk. Pick the kind of break you actually want and let go of the pressure to make it look “holiday-goals” for anyone else.

Try something new

Paddleboarding? Karaoke? A questionable regional dish?
Do something you wouldn’t normally do. Because sometimes, the reset we’re looking for isn’t in rest……. it’s in play.

One Last Thing…

I’ve done the holidays where I returned more exhausted than I left.
I’ve also done the ones where I protected my peace like it was carry-on luggage.
Guess which one actually felt like a break?

So before you hit “out of office,” give yourself permission to actually switch off.
Delegate. Do less. Move more. Laugh often.

And remember:
Turns out, the best part of a holiday isn’t the getaway it’s what you give yourself permission to let go of while you’re there.

Go on then - put the out-of-office on. And this time, really mean it.