Keeping your holiday mojo
Has your holiday been everything you wanted it to be? Probably not in most cases – but it should. Making the most of your holiday experience effects personal satisfaction when you return home. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Recent research released by Tourism NT shows that within one week of returning home a staggering 80% of Australians feel like they’ve never had a holiday.
The results also show that the vast majority of Aussie travelers want a holiday to get away from it all and more than four in five are seeking a holiday destination that allows them to switch off and feel reconnected.
A Newspoll survey was commissioned by Tourism NT to further understand what Aussies want from their holidays and whether they keep their ‘holiday mojo’ once they return to the real world.
Kate James, life coach and director of Total Balance Group, describes ‘holiday mojo’ as the feeling of inner calm and vitality you experience when you return from a rewarding holiday.
“What’s interesting about the research is that most Australians don’t have a problem with forgetting the daily grind as soon as they head off on their holiday, but as soon as they walk through the door, or go back to work, almost half feel like they’ve never left and their ‘holiday mojo’ is gone,” says Kate.
“One reason for people losing their ‘holiday mojo’ so quickly is because they undertake a holiday which doesn’t fulfill them personally. People should consider destinations that offer interactive holiday experiences, such as being outdoors and in wide open spaces. This can assist in helping people feel revitalised and reconnected on return.
“Australians are on the right track to enjoying a lasting ‘holiday mojo’ if, during their holiday, they take some time for personal reflection, try to do something different from their day-to-day lives and don’t try to cram too much in.”
The Northern Territory’s minister for tourism, Kon Vatskalis says now more than ever Australian travellers are looking for an invigorating holiday experience that lasts longer and provides them with a break from the ordinary.
Minister Vatskalis believes that: “The Territory is an ideal destination to totally switch off, re-energise and feel reconnected. Our World Heritage-listed national parks, famous natural icons and ancient Aboriginal culture offer the perfect experience for Australians wanting to extend their ‘holiday mojo’.”
The research also looked at what helped Australians feel reconnected whilst they are on holidays. Three quarters say that being outdoors helps them to switch off and relax, while 70% enjoy the benefits of wide open spaces or a location where there are few people.
The research reveals 75% of Aussie travellers are seeking an experience that stimulates their mind, body and spirit. But rather than fulfilling this need, many Australians admit they cram too much into their holidays.
However, mature travellers are more likely to be looking for new experiences on their holidays than younger generations. 25% of 50-64 year olds say they were holidaying to explore new destinations, compared to 14% of 18-34 year olds.
While the younger generations are more inclined to cram activities into a holiday, the 50-64 age group say they are less likely to feel their last holiday was built up as something special, only to feel let down by what they actually experienced.
The poll also says Queenslanders are more likely than Australians living in other states to be disappointed with their last holiday. Quite a testimonial for Queensland as a holiday destination if the locals tend to be disappointed when they leave home!
Kate James’ top tips for keeping your Holiday Mojo
Before you leave
* Be realistic about the lead up to your holiday. Allow plenty of time to pack and be organised so that you’re not up until 2am the night before you leave trying to find your sarong/bathers/walking boots.
* Plan ahead – have enough food in the house so that when you get home you can at least whip up a bowl of pasta without having to rush off out to the supermarket. Better still – set up a home delivery of fresh food ahead of time.
* Plan to arrive home from your holiday at least a day before your return to work. This will allow you time to reflect on your holiday and the experiences you have had. It will give you a chance to get back into your normal routine (and give you time to get your washing done).
When you return
* Ease back into work gently – prioritise your time. Answer only urgent emails on your first day back and make sure you leave on time. Take the time to go for a walk or swim during the day or in the evening to remember how you felt while you were on holidays.
* Keep your holiday spirit alive by keeping a reminder of your holiday close to you. Create space in your diary to reflect on your experience in the weeks following your holiday.
* Keep your connection with the outdoors alive by having lunch in the park or organising a short weekend break or day trip so you can get out of the city.
* Have a television free night each week and slip into holiday mode instead – read a book, or just turn out the lights and eat by candlelight.
Everyday living
* Learn to relax every day. Enrol in a yoga, tai chi or meditation class so the practice of unwinding becomes a regular thing.
* Become a tourist in your home city or town.
* Plan your next holiday!
Where to find out more
See www.travelnt.com.au for destination details in the Northern Territory
For more information on career and personal development coaching in the areas of work/life balance, meditation and creativity, visit Kate James’ website at www.totalbalance.com.au
This is article is courtesy of Super Living. Live and invest with attitude