10 signs that you need a vacation

Where we normally wouldn't survive Monday without our earplugs, something with twenty-eight chattering women, (and three men), the desks have been rather sparsely filled in the last few weeks. It's vacation time and you can tell. And not just in the editorial office. Schiphol was overflowing with crowds and the sunscreen shelves at Kruidvat are empty, emptier, emptiest. I always end up being the last in line for the vacation days, which means I have to wait the longest to pack my suitcase. I don't mind that too much if I can dive onto the terrace after work with a glass of wine and on the weekend pay a visit to the beach But if it (like last weekend) is pouring down rain, I want to flee to a faraway land as quickly as possible. If you, like me, are the last one to get your turn this summer, you might just be experiencing these symptoms. 1. You have an even greater dislike for Monday.

Now, the first day of the week already has an ugly edge. But if you really can't get out of bed on Monday, snap at everything and everyone that comes too close to your aura, and check the clock an average of ten times an hour, then you are definitely in need of a trip.

2. You would love to have a caffeine infusion.

Or do you prefer to set your laptop next to the Nespresso machine? Then you are in urgent need of healthier things that give you energy. Fresh sunshine, a pleasant temperature, friendly people, and good food. Because honestly: do you also drink five cups of coffee on vacation before noon?

3. You are stuck in a rut

You get up, make your sandwiches, go to work, come home, cook, dive onto the couch, and then back to bed via the bathroom. And that five times a week. Maybe there's a dinner at mom and dad's and a stray spinning class in there. But it doesn't get much more exciting than that. You get little energy from routine. In fact, it just makes you tired. Time to pack your suitcase.

4. You prefer to avoid Instagram and Facebook.

Where you normally spend the whole day scrolling through photos, you now open your favorite social media a little less eagerly. You are being bombarded with cocktails, inflatable flamingos, pearly white beaches, and tanning lines.

5. Your mirror is no longer your friend.

A pale face, bags under your eyes down to your knees, and those abs are still buried under that layer of fat. No one gets happier from that.

6. It doesn't get more worldly than the Thai around the corner.

You spend at least once a week at the local Thai or takeout Chinese. Even if it's just to hear a different language and conjure some exotic flavors onto your plate.

7. You sigh your way through the day.

The days at the office drag on and all you can do is sigh. And okay, that's very healthy, but it's not very pleasant. Especially not for your neighbor.

8. You can't sleep.

You feel the afternoon dip not once, but several times a day. But when you finally lie in bed at night, you can hardly sleep, resulting in you being just as tired the next day. What are you waiting for? Book that ticket.

9. Summer vs. winter wardrobe.

All those

cute summer dresses are still sadly lying in the closet waiting for some vitamin D. 10. Your patience is short.

At the office, you are the only one who empties the dishwasher, and at home, the pile of laundry only gets higher if you don't take action. Chores that you normally do without thinking, but at this moment, they just make you furious. Do yourself and the people around you a favor and take an extra week off.

Where we normally wouldn't survive Monday without our earplugs, something with twenty-eight chattering women (and three men), the desks have been...