A few days before your holiday, stop adding to your to-do list and focus on tying up loose ends. “You don’t need a heroic final push or midnight inbox cleanse; instead, start writing a ‘when I’m back’ list,” suggests Andy Cope, wellbeing expert and author of The Art of Being Brilliant. “Your mind relaxes when it trusts things have been parked.” 

“I remind my clients that rest and recovery aren’t luxuries, they’re essential for performance,” says Simon Tomkins, work coach and burnout expert. “Try setting a positive intention or repeating a mantra, like: ‘If I want to show up at my best, I need to switch off,’ or simply, ‘I deserve to rest’.” This might help stave off those work-related thoughts when you reach your destination. 

Whether it’s last-minute planning or packing, the days before a holiday can be surprisingly stressful. Taking a few slow, steady breaths can help signal to your body that it’s time to slow down. “Your nervous system takes its cues from you – if you rush, it thinks you’re in danger and will prolong that fight, flight or freeze mode. If you breathe slower, it starts getting the hint,” says Andy. 

When it’s time to sign off, set your out-of-office and make it clear who to contact in your absence. “Then close your laptop with ceremony,” says Andy. “I’m not saying you need a fanfare of trumpets, but a definite ‘done’ moment matters because your brain loves closure.”  

Worried about everyone having a good time? “Remind yourself that you’re not the emotional concierge of this holiday,” says Charlotte Fox Weber, psychotherapist and author of What We Want. “You can care about other people without making yourself responsible for their every mood or whim.  

“Decide in advance what you’re not going to manage,” she suggests. “For example: ‘I’ll suggest one or two plans, but I won’t fill every gap.’ Sometimes, the most generous thing you can do is stop managing everyone else’s experience and give yourself permission to have your own. 

“The night before, add one last thing into your suitcase that excites you, like a new book or a game, and then get some sleep,” suggests Charlotte. Looking forward to a simple pleasure can help shift your focus from work to holiday mode. 

If you know you’re one of those people who struggle to sit still without thinking about work, pre-book activities that keep you engaged. “Yoga, cooking, or surfing classes are great ways to keep yourself stimulated,” says Simon. “Movement like swimming or hiking also helps the mind stay present. For me, it’s a game of tennis or padel, as there’s no time to think about work between shots.”