WASHINGTON – When it comes to taking a vacation, the hardest part can be leaving work at home. Technology allows people to plug in at any time from anywhere, but constantly checking email and voicemail can add to your stress level.

So how can you fully relax in this age of smartphones?

Start by remembering that vacations are “memories you’re creating for a lifetime,” says Dr. Kathleen Hall, CEO and founder of The Stress Institute.

And if you have children, keep in mind that they are watching your every move.

“You are literally modeling for them the future of their life,” she says. “We really need to realize life is so fleeting and so short and so precious and tenuous. Vacation is a prized, sacred time.”

To take advantage of that time, Hall has a few tips for learning to unplug:

• Talk about unplugging with your family and make a deal with everybody. Pick certain times when it’s OK to log in, but stay away from phones and laptops the rest of the time.
• Use your five senses to immerse yourself in vacation. What are you seeing, smelling and eating? Take time to appreciate your surroundings and enjoy the little things.
• Change your clothes. Do you normally wear suits to work? Swap out the black pants for shorts. Make sure to wear your favorite prints and colors. Remember, anything that reminds you of work has negative effects on relaxation.

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