You’ve packed light, carefully choosing only the essentials for your getaway. The anticipation of a vacation or a much-needed break is palpable. But as you board that plane or settle into your new destination, a familiar weight still lingers. It’s not in the suitcase you just checked in, but it’s with you all the same. Because wherever you go, there you are. And some things just don’t stay behind at the airport.
Vacations, time off, or even quick getaways are often the first response to exhaustion, burnout, or stress. The promise of a break from the routine, the change of scenery, and the opportunity to recharge can sound like the perfect solution. But what if you’re still dragging around that baggage? The kind that can’t be left behind when you close the door to your home, no matter how light your physical load is.
Burnout is a real and pressing concern in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world. The constant demands of work, life, and everything in between can leave us feeling physically and emotionally drained. If you’re burnt out, taking time away can offer some relief. A change of pace, a few days to rest, and a bit of distance from the grind can make a world of difference. But what happens when the exhaustion you feel runs deeper than burnout?
Not all feelings of fatigue or weariness are the result of work pressures or deadlines. Sometimes, what we think of as burnout is masking something else entirely—something that may have nothing to do with work at all. You may find yourself carrying an emotional burden, unresolved trauma, personal grief, or a sense of emptiness that doesn’t disappear with a vacation. These deeper issues, while hidden beneath the surface, don’t pack lightly. And no matter how much you try to outrun them by heading to a new destination, they’ll show up with you at your hotel or resort.
What are you really trying to get away from?
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a change of scenery will solve everything. We tell ourselves that if we could just escape our day-to-day lives, we’d feel better. But, more often than not, the feelings of exhaustion, discomfort, or anxiety have been building for a long time. They are symptoms of something that needs to be unpacked—something that a plane ticket, an ocean view, or a luxurious hotel room can’t fix.
If you find that your time away doesn’t feel like a real escape, it could be a sign that you need more than a break. The feelings of exhaustion, dread, or dissatisfaction you’re trying to leave behind may not be linked to the pace of your life, but rather to something internal. These feelings are more than just a reaction to your workload; they may be connected to deeper, unaddressed concerns.
So, before you make plans for your next getaway, ask yourself: What is it that you’re trying to leave behind?
Is it the endless emails, the long hours, and the pressure to perform? Or is there something more? Are you running from a sense of disconnection, grief, loneliness, or dissatisfaction that follows you wherever you go? Is there an unresolved issue that, despite your best efforts, still looms large no matter how far you travel?
When we find ourselves needing an escape, it’s important to be honest with ourselves about what we’re truly seeking. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to pause and take a deeper look at what’s going on beneath the surface. If your exhaustion is more than just burnout, a vacation might offer temporary relief, but it won’t address the root cause. That’s where therapy or self-reflection can play a critical role. It’s not about avoiding the issue; it’s about uncovering it, understanding it, and finding the support you need to address it.
So, before you embark on your next adventure, take a moment to reflect. The break you’re craving might be just what you need, but don’t let it be a distraction from the deeper work that might be necessary to truly heal. If the baggage you’re carrying can’t be left behind at the airport, it’s worth exploring why and taking steps to unpack it.
Remember, getting away can provide rest, relaxation, and clarity—but it’s not a substitute for the inner work that may be calling for your attention. True peace comes when we confront our struggles, face the emotional weight we’ve been carrying, and take the time to process what’s been weighing us down. Only then can we begin to really lighten the load.
And when you return from your trip, you may just find that the baggage you couldn’t leave behind has been unpacked, leaving you with a new sense of clarity and peace.
where you’re starting from.
