Date:18/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/18/stories/2006051818730200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Make a good beginning

Special Correspondent

Vacation is the time to unwind and recharge your batteries

Many executives feel lost without being connected to their office
Have no planned recreation on the first day of your vacation

Make travel and other arrangements well in advance

Bangalore: This is the time of the year when many people are returning from a vacation overseas, the hills or a seaside resort. For stressed-out and tired executives, the vacation should have been the time to unwind and recharge for at least the next six months.

"For many executives, vacations turn out to be less than relaxing either because they are in a hurry or just cannot leave work behind. Many executives are lost without being connected to their offices, and this takes the fun out of a holiday," says psychotherapist Sunanda Murthy.

According to management consultant and trainer K. Panduranga, "Having a second or even third mobile phone with the number known only to your boss, very close colleagues and your secretary (if you have one) helps both to stay connected and, at the same time, be disturbed the least during a vacation."

Both agree that the first day of the vacation should be a day with no planned recreation at all. You just laze around, take in the scenery or the hills or the sea and perhaps have a drink or two and watch the sunset. You may read the newspaper and even watch TV news, but with some detachment. Conversation with family and new acquaintances should be on neutral topics such as the possibility for sporting activities where you are holidaying. Make a conscious effort not to talk too much about work.

"Such a day can be a great start to a real vacation, which is more than just a break from the routine. You get such breaks anyway when you travel on business," says Dr. Murthy.

When you have spent a completely relaxed first day, the next six or nine days should go along at the same pace. Your mental cobwebs have also been cleared and your body restored to a better energy level. A whole day of doing practically nothing feels great.

Make travel arrangements well in advance so that you don't need to worry about flight or train or hotel reservations. Making sure of transfers from the station or airport to the resort or hotel, all help in making this smooth start.