I aspire to be better at time off. It may sound silly, but we spend so much of our lives digging deeper, picking up the pace, and doing just a little bit more that when it comes time to take a break, I struggle to make the mental adjustments necessary to slow down and refuel. Either I’m preoccupied by all the things I should be doing, or I hold onto the stress like a comfortably uncomfortable habit. With this in mind, I decided to reframe resting and refueling as a “to do” item – one which merited its own strategy for success. After testing a few approaches over Spring Break, I jotted down some notes to consider next time I’m charged with taking some time for me:

1. Pack lightly. Not only are baggage claim and carry ons a bugger, but it’s so much better to be mobile!

2. Take lots of pictures. But edit, sort, and post when you get back; there’s so much more to see!

3. Eat the food of the natives. Whether it’s fresh octopus, ripe fruit, or a fabulous dessert you’ve never heard of, one of the best ways to experience a new place is through authentic cuisine.

4. Don’t drink the water. Even if it’s not dirty, our bodies get used to certain minerals and inclusions that differ from country to country. (I learned that one the hard way.)

5. Wear bug spray. Lots.

6. … and sunscreen. Even if you think you tan, the summer sun will prove you wrong! (I learned that one the hard way too.)

7. Wake up early and go to bed late. There will be plenty of time for sleeping on beaches, so maximize all the time you have.

8. Don’t worry about things you can’t control when you’re on vacation. Work and school will still be there when you get back, and you’re not going to make anything better by wasting your (much needed) relaxation time.