Eliminate Vacation Anxiety
Jul 13, 2025
You need a vacation.
You want a vacation.
But sometimes, do you wonder, “Is it really worth it to go on vacation?”
Maybe you’re like an executive I coach who asked, “Dr. Joey, why is it to be gone on vacation for one week, I have to do two extra weeks of work? An extra one before I leave? And the second extra week when I get back?”
Sure, it seems that way, doesn’t it?
Vacation anxiety is real.
So how do you deal with it? And best prepare yourself for a relaxing, renewing experience so you return to work rested?
Here is how you eliminate vacation anxiety:
Describe Status
Meet with yourself and describe the status of each of your current, primary projects. Where are you on the project timeline? What status reports require filing while you’re gone? What must you accomplish before you leave?
You detail expectations by describing the status of each project. This clarity focuses your mind to address relevant matters, a cognitive function. Such mental processing keeps at arms-length the emotive “vacation anxiety” which sabotages your productivity the week before you leave.
Update your coworker and/or supervisor with this information. This proactive approach calms any concerns they may have and, if anyone is to cover your position, offers them all of the information they require to Work Positive.
Define “Emergency”
You eliminate any “emergency” communications while you’re on vacation by describing the project statuses and sharing the information.
Take it a step further and define “emergency” when you meet with your coworker and/or supervisor. Ask questions like, “Now what have we yet to discuss that could possibly arise while I’m gone?” and “Any potential emergencies come to mind?”
By doing this, you avoid a frantic call asking something trivial that disrupts your vacation flow.
Define “emergency” with them.
Delineate Re-Entry
Work goes on while you’re gone. Just because you clean your desk before you leave doesn’t insure it remains so.
On one level, it’s comforting to be missed for your unique contributions you bring to the team.
On another level, “vacation anxiety” creeps into your head as you travel back home. You imagine everything that could possibly have gone wrong while you were away. Your racing thoughts keep you awake on Sunday night while anticipating Monday morning. The “Sunday scaries” are real and on steroids as you return from vacation!
Delineate your re-entry process before you leave for vacation. Remember those projects that you described? Schedule pick-up points for your week back.
Also, that meeting you had with your coworker and/or supervisor before leaving? Schedule a status update meeting when you return, preferably early Monday. Such information is vital for your secure re-entry, a calm mind, and a Work Positive week.
Describe status, define “emergency,” and delineate re-entry to avoid vacation anxiety and Work Positive!
Subscribe to the Work Positive Newsletter
Get the latest blog, podcast, and other resources weekly that help you Work Positive.
We detest SPAM and guard your information carefully. Unsubscribe any time we violate your trust.
