by Mike Gellman

I regretted the moment I picked up my work phone to check my email. My son and I were on a camping trip in Red Rock Canyon for Spring Break and there were a flood of critical messages begging for my attention. After responding to several emails and a couple of stressful phone calls over the next two days, things were finally back under control. However, it was not before incurring the cost of becoming a stressed and pre-occupied Dad while losing quality time with my son.

One of my cardinal vacation rules has always been to leave my work phone at home. However, this vacation was in the middle of a major project launch that I was responsible for–I felt compelled to bring the phone along. My experience reminded me of how pernicious the habit of “just a quick look” can turn a relaxing vacation on its head.

How often have you found yourself in a similar situation? We all need to “get away” and need time to disconnect and re-charge. After all, we’re not machines designed be constantly “on.” Yet we are often are our own worst enemies when it comes to taking a needed break from day-to-day stressors.

Do you ever find yourself working so much that you need a vacation from your vacation? If it’s more often than not, consider the following three strategies you can use to ensure your vacation doesn’t turn into a disaster.

• Create a transition plan. Yes, I know you’re thinking yet another thing to add to your plate before you leave for vacation. However, this is going to be your saving grace. It’s important to designate and train a backup as well as communicate your work status to your boss and appropriate team members. The last thing you want is for them to be caught off-guard and not knowing how to help others without calling you first. In addition, be sure to inform active clients/customers ahead of time about what to expect while you’re gone and who to contact for assistance should they need it.

• Set healthy boundaries and stick to them. If you must bring your smartphone on vacation, make it clear and under what conditions you can be contacted and will respond to emails and/or calls. A common mistake that many of my clients make is responding to email and voicemail messages despite having indicated that they’re out of the office. Most email programs have the ability to send out an automatic reply message whenever an incoming message is received. Also, change your voicemail greeting. Even better, leave your work phone behind to avoid temptation and give your personal cell or hotel phone number to someone you trust. This way if all else fails and it’s a true emergency, all parties can rest in comfort in knowing a way to reach you. Just make sure to provide the information to someone who’s not likely to abuse the privilege.

• Realize that you’re not that important – We all like to think we’re irreplaceable, but think about it. If you were out sick for a week or simply quit your job, your company would find a way get things done without you, right? One of the things I’ve noticed with clients I’ve worked with over the years is that even though they may leave their work phones behind, they still pack and their bags with a hefty dose of guilt; enough to merit a $25 excess baggage fee from the airline they’re taking to their vacation destination.

Following these basic guidelines should enhance your vacation experience and give you a better chance to recover and rejuvenate. What will you commit to doing differently the next time you take a vacation?

Mike Gellman is a seasoned organizational consultant and career coach with 15+ years experience in Fortune 500 and nonprofit environments. He’s also the author of Pipe Dreams: 7 Pipelines of Career Success. For more information, go to www.MikeGellman.com or email mike@mikegellman.com.