Heading out on vacation is the best feeling—but getting ready to leave work behind? Not so much. I’ve definitely had my share of pre-vacation stress, from scrambling to finish projects to worrying about emails piling up. Over time, though, I’ve found a few tricks that help me wrap things up smoothly so I can actually unplug and relax. Here’s what works for me:
1. Time-Block for Follow-Ups
The week before I leave, I set aside 30 minutes at the end of each day just to follow-up on outstanding tasks. This isn’t just about clearing my inbox—it’s about anticipating questions and tying up loose ends so nothing urgent pops up while I’m away.
2. Create a “While I’m Away” Email
A day or two before I leave, I send a short “While I’m Away” email to my teammates. I include who’s covering different tasks for me, any ongoing tasks to keep an eye on, and links to important documents or resources they might need while I am away. It’s quick, but it saves everyone (including me) from unnecessary back-and-forths. I also drop in my vacation dates as a little reminder.
3. Batch My Emails in Advance
This one’s a game-changer. I pre-write and schedule routine emails, like status updates or nudges, before I leave. I love nothing more than a scheduled email…It keeps things moving smoothly without me having to hit send while I’m supposed to be relaxing. I use Outlook’s “Schedule Send” feature for this, and it’s been a lifesaver, even while I’m in office.
4. Schedule Email Notifications
I learned this the hard way: nothing ruins a vacation faster than nonstop email notifications. Before I leave, I adjust my settings so I only get alerts for truly urgent messages. It’s been a game-changer for actually staying present on vacation.
5. Initiate a “Quiet Hour” Routine
During the week before I leave, I block off a “quiet hour” each day to focus on high-priority tasks. No meetings, no distractions—just me, my to-do list, and a cup of coffee. This helps me stay on track and avoids the last-minute scramble to finish everything the day before I go.
6. Automate Whatever I Can
I’m all about working smarter, not harder. If something can be automated, I put in the extra time on the front end to do it. Whether it’s setting up auto-reports or programming dashboards, automation keeps things running smoothly while I’m away. Plus, it makes life easier for my teammates.
7. Pre-Plan My Return
Okay, this might sound weird, but I always plan for my first day back before I leave. I block off my morning for a “catch-up session” so I can get up to speed without jumping straight into meetings. It helps me ease back in without feeling overwhelmed.
Final Thought
These productivity hacks have saved me from so much pre-vacation stress. By planning ahead and working a little smarter, I can actually enjoy my time off without constantly checking my phone.
How do you prep for time off? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!
