Here’s how to get the most out of your time off this summer.
Vacations are a much-needed chance to hit the reset button. Whether you’re taking a long-awaited trip or have nothing planned, time off from work, school and your usual routine can lower stress, boost your mood and improve your productivity. These temporary breaks from the daily grind may even help keep you healthier. But just because you’re off the clock doesn’t mean you’ll automatically feel refreshed.
Sometimes you need to be a bit more intentional about what you do while on vacation to ensure you’re getting the most from your time off. Here are six things you can do that can help you relax and recharge:
- Enjoy your people. Connecting with friends and family whom you enjoy spending time with can lift your spirits and refill your cup. Whether you’re getting together for a backyard cookout, a beach day or a quick meet-up over coffee, positive social interactions can help you feel supported, loved and rejuvenated.
- Spend time outdoors. Fresh air and sunshine can do wonders for your mood, potentially lowering stress levels and improving sleep. Being out in nature can have an especially calming effect. You don’t need to take a big adventure to see benefits. Just taking a walk through your neighborhood, reading in your own backyard or exploring a new trail can make a difference in how you feel.
- Stay active. Some people love nothing more than just lounging by the pool or on a beach when they’re on vacation, but fitting in some physical activity can be just as relaxing. The key is to move in ways that feel fun and not forced. Not only can exercise help you relax, but it also releases feel-good chemicals in your brain that help fight stress and burnout.
- Disconnect from tech. Constant notifications, news updates and work emails can take a toll on your mental health, and vacations are a great time to disconnect from your devices. It may be easy to turn off your computer when you’re not working, but consider the benefits of limiting TV watching or streaming and even putting your phone aside. Less screen time gives you a chance to stop and smell the roses, connect with others or enjoy a craft, hobby or book.
- Sleep, but not too much. It’s tempting to sleep in every day during vacation, especially if you’ve been running on empty. But sleeping too much can make you feel groggy. Instead, stick to a regular sleep schedule, aiming for 7 to 9 hours each night. If you’re feeling tired, a short afternoon nap (20–30 minutes) can help you feel refreshed without throwing off your routine.
- Give yourself permission to do nothing. There’s no need to fill every minute of your vacation with activities. Sometimes the best thing for your mental health is to give yourself a chance to just be, with no schedule and no demands. Take a long bath, stare at the clouds or spend time writing in a journal. These quiet moments help your mind and body truly reset.
If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a vacation this summer, doing these things during your time off can go a long way towards helping you fully recharge so you can return to work feeling more relaxed, less stressed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
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Date Last Reviewed: June 23, 2025
Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor
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