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A fantastic holiday is when you go back to work, inspired and eager to bring new ideas to life. So when I went on holiday this time, I tried to disconnect from worries and problems, got into itinerary and planning, and derived ten rules for the perfect designer holiday.

So, what can help a designer switch their brain from work to enjoying a holiday?

A total disconnect from the digital environment and news

A digital detox during the holiday season helps to free up space in my mind for new experiences. But if you don’t want to go so far as to unplug your smartphone for a week or two, this is the way to go:

• switch on the notification feature with a specific subject and designate the notifications you want to receive with a VIP tick;
• block your favourite news sites for a while and log out of your newsgroups on telegrams and other social networks;
• turn off notifications about likes and comments on social networks. So in place of “FOMO” (Fear of missing out), that is, the fear of missing out on events in the lives of people you know and strangers, will come to JOMO (joy of missing out) — the joy of missing out on events that do not concern you personally;
• to take a photo and video camera so that you take your smartphone in your hands less often,
• remove the icons for work apps and social media from your phone screen.

Say to yourself:

“I can afford not to know everything posted on social media, and spend the time and energy I save on myself, on rest and new experiences”.

A pause in the daily habit of checking work emails and opening Figma

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Do you know why Volkswagen advised employees not to check their emails outside work hours? Firstly, to rest more effectively. Secondly, to promote creativity (!).

To make it easier to get used to going on holiday without mail, you can prepare in advance:

• Warn co-workers that you won’t be answering work emails.
• Someone may need access to some emails or contacts in your absence. Get your work email in order.
• Negotiate with your supervisor about how you can be contacted. Maybe you will get in touch at specific times or respond via telegram.

If you can’t get through the day without Figma, set time limits, but follow them clearly: 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening.

From my own experience, it is challenging only the first 1–2 days, and then new impressions supplant the need to open Figma.

Reading paper books

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I try to take a good book and pen on any trip. This can be both non-fiction and fiction.

The advantage of a paper book is that you can take notes in the margins, and after the holiday, it will be associated with a particular trip, sights, cafes and beaches. It becomes the key to fond memories.

Running and activity

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When I’m on holiday, I never forget to be active. If it’s a seaside holiday, I try to swim more and jog in the morning or evening. These activities help me disconnect from usual work thoughts, boost energy and keep myself in good shape.

I also wonder what hotels offer, what group exercise classes they have, and whether a gym is on-site.

If I rest in a mountainous area with hiking trails, I go for a little hike. Comfortable footwear is the most important thing here.

Awareness and development of visual taste

Source: photo from personal archive

A holiday is not just a break from routine and a reboot. For the designer, it’s also a search for ideas and inspiration for new projects.

And here it is not without observation — experience gained from viewing many works of art (not only classics but modern, where there is a place for creativity), various museum thematic exhibitions, beautiful landscapes and attractions.

Everything you see on holiday daily forms a visual experience and develops taste. That’s why I’m always willing to visit a gallery or a museum; I pay attention to the architecture of cities, try to get a feel for them, and take note of their details.

In general, I like to stay in places with a wide range of interesting historical or modern locations. Those that are worth seeing to fill with new impressions, knowledge and emotions.

Time for family and loved ones

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Routine and routine always strain relationships and communication with loved ones. Because of work, there isn’t always time for long pleasant conversations, for sharing impressions and emotions. Not during your holiday!

You can do many things when you visit exciting locations and new restaurants and cafés.

Analysis and planning

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There are always exciting thoughts and insights during the holiday — from new ideas for work projects to planning for developing skills.

I see new countries, cities, products, and unique solutions and stay open to everything new. I take great pleasure in observing, analysing, remembering, and trying not to miss or forget anything. Maybe that’s why a holiday is always followed by personal development.

Meditation

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You won’t believe it, but experts are seriously debating whether a holiday or meditation is better. So, in 2016, scientists from the University of California and Harvard Medical School analysed three groups of people who were on holiday at a resort. The first group had a meditation experience, the second just enjoyed the holiday, and the third combined the holiday with learning (mantras, yoga and self-reflection). It turned out that those who did meditation practices while on holiday had a good rest, became more stress-resistant, and even improved their immune system.

Hmmm… I certainly don’t encourage everyone to do meditation on holiday. But a little self-reflection would make a holiday even more effective.

Classical music

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What do you listen to most often while working on projects? Something discreet, with a varied but not very complex rhythmic pattern, or chaotic music like free jazz with lots of spontaneous sounds?

Whichever you choose, it’s well worth making time for classical music on holiday:

• it stimulates the brain,
• improves sleep quality,
• It helps you express your emotions and gives them an outlet,
• and builds your stress tolerance.

And if you’ve been sightseeing, running around town, your day is almost over, and you’re feeling overwhelmed, some soothing music might help.

The works of Johann Sebastian Bach, G. Handel, W. A. Mozart, especially the slow tempo (lento, largo), with the mode of 60–64 beats per minute, but the brain is in a state of alpha waves, which are generated at rest, for example:

Johann Sebastian Bach “Prelude”

Goldberg Variations

W. A. Mozart’s “Little Night Serenade” (Andante)

Sonatas for the piano (Andante)

Look at everything through the eyes of a child.

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Do you remember what it is like to be a child?

Not for nothing do we remember childhood as the happiest time. Observe how children and their friends interact with the world and, if you are a designer, pick up on your children’s ability to think positively, wonder at novelty, see possibilities and push the boundaries of imagination.

Have you been on holiday or are you planning one? Do you have rules for the perfect holiday?