5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Holidays

While every blog on the Internet and every self-help book in the library will tell you how good taking a vacation can be for you, what they would generally skip is how to get over your anxiety that will follow when FOMO hits you.

FOMO — fear of missing out — is a millennial term. It is the same feeling you get when all your friends are out partying or enjoying a concert and you are stuck at home with multiple pots of coffee and work that just doesn’t seem to end.

So how do you get rid of the constant nagging at the back of your head that you might be missing out on something? Like there might be some new exotic place you haven’t seen or an old vintage style café you haven’t visited yet?

Holidays help you de clutter your thoughts and let the stress flow out of your body but you can’t effectively do that if you keep feeling like you didn’t do as much as you could have.

Here are 5 ways to help you make the most of your well-earned holiday.

1. Be Prepared — Make a Checklist

Preparing for holidays might not seem that big a deal but when it comes down to really doing it, there’s a high chance you are going to end up either really confused, tired or both. Whether you are travelling abroad or planning to spend your spare time at home, listing out things makes it easy.

Most people put off their packing process to the last night thinking that if they have a to-do list, they’ll have it all covered but that’s a big recipe for disaster. Your last day should be comfortable and less anxiety driven so you get maximum sleep for the next day. To be on the safe side, start packing 3 days prior to your trip and plan what to pack, a week before that.

Prepare a checklist of all that you want to do in your holidays. Want to meet friends? Want to try a new restaurant? Want to volunteer at a social service?

2. Save Some Cash

It is a common misconception that the amount of fun you have in your spare time should equal the amount of money you spend on it. That is quite untrue, because people tend to have more fun if they save more on their flights and hotels and spend it more on shopping or taking trips around the city.

The best way is to pick an affordable motel — super 8 motel — it should be accessible and near to the places you want to visit. Living in expensive hotels only add to your bills since you will only use your hotel to shower and sleep mostly.

So why spend so much? The same amount of money could be easily used for shopping, trying new restaurants or having fun filled adventures on your trip.

3. Travel Around Freely

You might want to hire a travel guide but when it comes to discovering the city it is best if you let yourself loose for a little while. A travel guide will always show you the most famous or hyped up places. Even Google can show you that.

If you want to have a closer perspective on the culture and lifestyle of the city, tour yourself. Pack a nifty bag with water and some protein bars and walk through neighborhoods or different parts of the town you’re visiting. Gear up your photography skills and give your tastebuds a whole new experience of local eateries

Though the idea of wandering around in search of magic might seem intoxicating, you might fear forgetting your way back. Most cities have excellent transport services and apps that help you find your way back, especially for tourists. Keep a map with you just in case.

4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Holidays is all about experiencing new things and broadening your horizon. Opening yourself up to different types of choices, lifestyles and cultures not only makes you more confident and accepting but also fills your heart with peace and happiness.

Take this prime moment and step out of your comfort zone. Try new attires, different cuisines, and all the adventures you had marked in your wishlist.

Your holiday should be all about breaking the spell of your mundane routine and spreading your wings out. Bring some change to your life, let the adrenaline flow through. No matter how small the change is and no matter what new things you try, it counts.

5. Find Time to Unwind and Relax

An activity packed holiday is quite adventurous and fun but if you are not used to moving around so much, you might get tired with sore muscles on the third day.

Holidays is the time to escape from your stressful work routine. This is the best time for you to relax. It doesn’t mean staying in bed all day watching Netflix. You must have a full night’s sleep, take a long relaxing bath with some fresh juice, take a walk beside the pool and sun bathe.

If budget allows, take a trip to the spa and enjoy a relaxing massage by pampering yourself a little. It will definitely uplift your mood. Relaxing in the Jacuzzi later with nice chilled champagne is too alluring. Go out with your friends for a nice dinner or end your perfect day with a book near the fireplace.

Go to bed early and catch up on all the sleep you have been missing so you are fresh and for the next day to start some new adventures.

Whether your holidays are a jam-packed luxury filled ride or just a quick get-out-of-the-city break, these tips will help you get the most out of your spare time so that you are all geared up for work till your next break.