Symbolically marking that transition from "work" you to "vacation" you helps you switch gears. DeMaria suggested a simple visualization: take something symbolic of your work identity — a piece of jewelry, the notepad you always carry at work, your office badge — and place it somewhere at home.
"Do a little ritual, saying, 'You are staying here and not going with me on vacation,'" he said. "I suggest this even at the end of the day: have a little hook by the door in your garage and put your 'work identity necklace' on it while taking three deep breaths before going in the house so you don't take your work stress in with you." Another simple visualization: when you walk out of your house before leaving on your trip, imagine crossing that threshold as an imaginary threshold where you are leaving your day to day work identity behind.
