Why You Panic Before a Dream Vacation (And Why You Should Go Anyway)

Have you ever planned a dream vacation, only to find yourself filled with dread and panic right before you leave? You’re not alone. 

In my latest video, I explored why our brains often interpret rest as a threat. When you spend years acting as the "anchor" for your family, business, or community, your brain gets wired for hyper-vigilance. You become a professional problem-solver. So, when a period of total stillness or deep play approaches, your brain interprets that lack of control as a danger, not a gift.

We tell ourselves, "I’ll go when I’ve finished the to-do list, when the project is done, when the kids are older." But here’s the truth: the to-do list will never be completely to-done. There will always be a reason to stay.

Surrendering the Illusion of Control

As people of faith, we know the truth about our "hyper-vigilance." We aren't actually the ones holding the world together. When we feel like we need to manage every detail to keep things from falling apart, we’re not letting God be God. 

When we panic before a trip, we are essentially telling ourselves that the world requires our constant management to survive for ten days. But God’s got it. He is sustaining our families, our work, and our homes even when we are not there to micromanage them. Choosing rest is, in a way, an act of faith. It is a declaration that we trust Him more than we trust our own ability to control the outcomes.

Choosing Connection

Stepping away with your spouse isn't selfish—it’s an investment in the foundation of your family. Your kids, your work, and your community benefit when the two people at the center of it are deeply connected, rested, and reminded of why they fell in love in the first place.

The next time you feel that pre-vacation dread, don't take it as a sign that you shouldn't go. Take it as a sign that you need to go. The resistance proves how much you need the break.

Take the Leap

If you’re sitting on the edge of a big decision, a dream trip, or just a weekend getaway with your person, and the anxious voices are telling you to stay put—close the laptop, pack the bag, and go. The house will still be there when you get back, and the Lord will be holding everything together while you’re gone.

Ask yourself:A year from now, will I look back and be glad I stayed home to answer emails, or will I be glad I took the leap to prioritize my marriage?

Choose the connection. Trust in Him.