As summer winds down, many lawyers are squeezing in one last vacation before the busy fall season begins. It is a chance to step away from the office, spend time with family and friends, and recharge before calendars begin filling with hearings, closings, client meetings, and year-end deadlines.

That is exactly what vacations are supposed to do. They are supposed to leave us feeling rested, refreshed, and ready to re-engage with our work. But for many lawyers, the first day back at the office feels more like punishment than reward.

The email inbox is overflowing. Voice mails have piled up. New files are waiting on your desk. Existing files have generated new issues. Clients want updates. Opposing counsel has sent “just checking in” emails. Before you’ve had time to remember what you were working on before vacation, you’re already behind.

It is enough to make some lawyers wonder whether taking time off was worth it.

I regularly encourage lawyers to unplug while they are away. Healthy boundaries matter. Time away from work is important for our well-being, our relationships, and ultimately our effectiveness as lawyers. But let’s also acknowledge that disconnecting often comes with a price.

The solution is not to spend your vacation answering email from the beach. It is to reduce the size of the mountain waiting for you when you return. That starts before you ever leave.

If possible, avoid scheduling your vacation immediately before a major hearing, closing, trial, or filing deadline. Build a little margin into your calendar so urgent matters are less likely to arise while you’re away. Likewise, resist the temptation to work until the very last minute before leaving. Setting aside a little time to organize your files, identify matters that may need attention, and communicate with clients about your upcoming absence can prevent unnecessary surprises.

A thoughtful out-of-office email message is another valuable tool. Let people know when you will return and, if appropriate, provide the name and contact information of someone who can assist them if the matter cannot wait. Update your voicemail with similar information. Many questions can be answered more quickly by someone else if clients know where to turn.

If you practice in a firm with other lawyers or legal assistants, take advantage of your team. Make sure someone knows which matters may require attention during your absence and give them the information they need to respond. A brief conversation before you leave is often far more effective than a frantic phone call from your vacation destination.

For solo practitioners, the planning may look a little different. Notify clients in advance if you know you will be unavailable for several days. Complete as many time-sensitive tasks as possible before you leave and consider arranging for a trusted colleague to be available if a true emergency arises. You may never need that backup, but having a plan can provide tremendous peace of mind.

One strategy that many lawyers find helpful is scheduling a “re-entry day.” Rather than filling your first day back with client meetings, depositions, or court appearances, block as much of the day as possible for catching up. Review your email, return phone calls, meet with your assistant or staff, and prioritize new tasks. You will serve your clients more effectively if you first give yourself time to regain your footing.

It is also worth remembering that not every email deserves an immediate response. The temptation is to answer messages in the order they arrived, but that is rarely the best approach. Triage your inbox. Address urgent matters first. Some issues will have resolved themselves while you were away. Others can wait another day.

Finally, give yourself permission to ease back into work. You probably will not erase a week’s worth of accumulated work before lunch, and that is okay. Focus on making steady progress rather than trying to catch up all at once.

Vacations give us an opportunity to rest, reconnect with family and friends, and return to work with renewed energy. There may always be a little vacation hangover waiting on the other side, but with thoughtful planning, it does not have to overshadow the benefits of taking time away.

The goal is not to return to an empty inbox. The goal is to return rested enough to tackle a full one.