Bula to Balance: How to Beat the Pre-Leave Stress Monster

This week, I fly off to Fiji for a family holiday. What I’m most looking forward to? Time with the whole whānau – especially since our two boys have left home.

But, if I’m honest, I’ve found myself stressing about it more than a little bit. I’ve been smack-bang in the middle of some big weeks and major pieces of work. So, I thought I’d write the blog that I also need to read about how to squash The Pre-Leave Stress Monster. 

If you’re a manager, I’m guessing you’ll know the feeling too well: the familiar pre-leave whirlwind and that insidious (yet strangely persistent) stress that seems to come hand-in-hand with stepping away from work.

Whether you’re going on holiday, taking an overseas business trip, or about to kick off an executive programme that takes you out of action for a few weeks, leave from your day-to-day leadership role can feel more stressful than a cat going scuba diving.

We convince ourselves the world will end if we’re not at our desk. Suddenly every single item on our to-do list is marked "URGENT." We become a possessed whirligig of activity, trying to complete 1,234,753 tasks before we walk out the door.

Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing. Yes, you’re important. But the wheels will keep turning while you’re away – especially if you follow these 8 Tips for Dealing with Pre-Leave Stress:

1. Make a (small) priority list.

Write down the tasks that absolutely need to get done before you leave – and draw a bold red line through the rest. Be realistic. Does that engagement survey really need to go out before your toes hit the sand? Didn’t think so.

2. Business critical? Do it. Otherwise delegate, delay, or ditch.

Not everything needs to be done by you or now. What is vital to the strategic objectives that you are progressing? Focus your energy where it truly matters. Then let the rest go.

3. Delegate to develop (not dump).

See your leave as a leadership development opportunity for others. Who in your team could step up while you’re away? Let them take on stretch assignments or run a meeting you usually chair. Just don’t dump a pile of tasks on them 30 minutes before your Uber arrives for the airport. That’s not delegation – that’s panic. Plan ahead and delegate thoughtfully.

4. Pack ahead of time.

This may sound more lifestyle than leadership, but hear me out. I started packing a week early this time, and it’s made a spectacular difference. My mental energy is much more focused on what I need to finish up work-wise now, because I know the other stuff is largely taken care of. Find a checklist online, prep a Travel Kit with chargers, adaptors, and the like, and save yourself the distraction in the lead up and the last-minute scramble.

5. Create a ‘while I’m away’ doc.

This is gold for leaders. A one-pager that outlines key contacts, decisions to delay, where files live, and what to do in an emergency. Not only does it give your team clarity, it also stops your phone from pinging mid-holiday with “where’s that thing again?”

6. Meditate.

If you haven’t already, download Headspace or Calm. Ten minutes a day can work wonders. Meditation helps you re-centre and reduce that panicked, chest-tightening feeling that likes to arrive just as you’re boarding the plane. Mindfulness isn’t just good for stress – it makes you a better leader too.

7. Ask for help.

Yes, you’re a rockstar – but even rockstars need a backup band. Sit down with your EA/PA, agree on what qualifies as an "emergency," how your email will be managed, and what your availability is (if any). I love Tim Ferris’s idea of a separate email for his inner circle while he’s travelling. Boundaries = bliss.

8. Set your ‘switch off’ rules.

When you hit the airport lounge, pour yourself a glass of something chilled and let go. If you must check in with work, do it with intention. My rule? One hour max each morning, poolside, with a coffee in hand – then email goes off the phone, and I’m back in holiday mode.

Pre-leave stress is real, but it doesn’t need to hijack your wellbeing (or your trip). And it definitely doesn’t have to derail your leadership effectiveness. With a little prep and perspective, you can use your leave as a catalyst for clarity, delegation, and even development.

What other tricks do you have for putting the Pre-Leave Stress Monster back in its cage? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Drop them in the comments.

And from me? Bula Vinaka!

— Suzi