Stretch that relaxed vacation mentality

Whether it's a month in Tuscany, a week in Turkey, or a weekend at the beach, vacations are great for you. They cut your risk for a heart attack, erase anxiety, even make your marriage happier. But holding onto that bliss bubble once you're back in the real world can be trickier than slathering sunscreen on a squirmy toddler. Usually it evaporates in a mere two weeks.

We know how precious that feeling is. And there are ways to s-t-r-e-t-c-h out that delicious, tension-taming vacation sensation without trading your day job for the life of a beach bum:

1. Start before you depart. Thoroughly enjoy the prelude. Pore over travel sites, brochures, books and DVDs. You'll put yourself in the mood weeks before you're sitting on your suitcase.

2. Go short. Can't swing two weeks off? No worries. Short trips may boost your vacation satisfaction even higher than a single long trip.

3. Or go long. It's all good. If it takes you at least two days away to shake off job and life stress, you're typical.

4 No money for a major escape? Take a "staycation." Pretend you've just arrived in your hometown and explore those tourist sites you've always meant to see.

Eat out or cook in (whichever you love best). Gussy up the bedroom with flowers, Champagne and a piece of divine dark chocolate on the pillow for a five-star touch. Put your phone on mute and cuddle up. Now's your chance.