E975 Off Duty, Still Wired: How to Take a Real Vacation | Tactical Living Podcast

You’re out of uniform, out of town, and officially off the clock—but your mind is still scanning exits and tracking threats (Amazon Affiliate). In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton explore the mental battle of taking a true vacation as a first responder—and how to actually unplug without guilt, anxiety, or feeling like you’ve abandoned your post. 🔎 Episode Overview: For most people, vacation means rest. For first responders, it often means discomfort. Stepping away from the role, the routine, and the hyper-vigilant mindset doesn’t come naturally when the job has rewired your nervous system to stay alert at all times. This episode unpacks why true rest feels like a threat, how that impacts your health and relationships, and what it takes to actually reclaim your right to relax. 🧠 5 Signs You’re Physically on Vacation—but Mentally Still on Duty You Feel Anxious When You’re Not “Doing Something Productive” Example: You keep checking emails, department messages, or group chats. Impact: You never let your brain switch modes, which leads to chronic tension. You Struggle to Enjoy Slowness or Stillness Example: Relaxing feels wrong, or like you’re wasting time. Impact: Reinforces burnout cycles and reduces recovery. You Stay in “Protector Mode” Even With Your Family Example: Scanning for threats, micromanaging plans, staying hyper-vigilant. Impact: Prevents emotional connection and full presence with loved ones. You Feel Guilty for Not Being Available to Your Team Example: You worry something will happen while you’re gone. Impact: Keeps you tethered to responsibility, even off the clock. You Pack the Same Mental Load You Left Work With Example: Still thinking about a recent call, conflict, or case. Impact: No real rest, just a change of location. 🛠️ 5 Ways to Truly Unplug and Reclaim Your Vacation Create a Pre-Departure Mental Offloading Ritual Write down work-related thoughts, concerns, or to-dos so you can leave them behind with intention. Set Clear Boundaries With Work Before You Leave Let your team know when you’ll be off—and stick to it. You deserve that line. Design Rest as a Tactical Tool, Not a Luxury Remind yourself: rest restores readiness. It’s not indulgent—it’s necessary. Use Your Environment to Signal a New State of Being Dress differently, move differently, talk differently. Help your brain shift modes through external cues. Reframe Guilt as Proof That You Care—Then Let It Go Guilt shows commitment, not weakness. But staying stuck in it does no one any good. 🎯 Why This Episode Matters You can’t pour from an empty cup—or lead from a burned-out place. True recovery isn’t lazy… it’s lifesaving. And you’ve earned it. 🎙️ Listen now to learn how to take a real vacation—and return more grounded, present, and ready than ever. 💥 Gear We Recommend for Our First Responder Community: 🛡️ Tactical storage made easy: STOPBOX – Buy One, Get One Free 🎯 Connect With Us: ✅ Join our Private Facebook Group for First Responders & Families 🎥 Subscribe on YouTube for behind-the-scenes content and live interviews 🌐 Visit LEOWarriors.com for coaching, resources, and more 💬 Listener Question: What’s one small act of service you can do today to honor someone who served? Let us know in the Facebook group or DM us on Instagram! Disclaimer: All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment purposes only and reflect our personal opinions based on our own experiences, background, and education. 🎙️ Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send a message to Ashlie Walton on PodMatch → Click here (Ad) Some product links in this episode may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. We only share products we genuinely believe in and trust. 📣 For PR, Speaking Requests, or Networking Opportunities: 📧 Email: [e-mail] 📫 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 400115, Hesperia, CA 92340 🔗 Ashlie’s Facebook: facebook.com/police.fire.lawenforcement