You Deserve a Vacation
Whenever I hear of people not taking a vacation, it literally blows me away.
I wonder what motivates someone to work, work, work with no rest? Do you feel guilty for leaving coworkers behind to take care of your duties? Are finances limiting your ability to take a vacation? Have you been trained to believe success equates to a 60 hour work week? I’m here to tell you that vacationing reduces stress if you do it the right way. And lower stress improves your immunity. In the COVID world we live in, we could all use a boost of immunity.
Whether you’re staying home, or considering that trip you’ve been putting off, you can absolutely incorporate some carefree, adventure seeking, relaxation in your week.
Here are a few things I love about vacation
you can incorporate into your daily life…
Adventure: What do we love about vacations? New experiences, new food, new scenery? When is the last time you tried something new? As adults, we can get set in our ways and we forget the playful side of life. Is there a pottery class you’ve always wanted to try? Or a new sport you’ve been wanting to explore? There’s something about new experiences that simulates the same feelings you get when you are on vacation. So identify something new, grab a friend, and give it a try!
Limited screen time: I heard many years ago that screen-free vacations allow you to return to your life with more motivation and a better mood. This isn’t shocking, necessarily, but when is the last time you went a day without a screen? Or a week without a screen? A reason I love the wilderness or traveling out of the country is because I am forced to be without my devices. Doesn’t it sound wonderful to not read a million emails a day? Or to distract your brain from its normal responsibilities, and turn your attention to a good book instead? Even if you are staying home, commit to some time without your phone and let yourself (and your devices) literally and figuratively recharge.
Quality Time with Quality People: Do you feel like the only time you get to see some of your favorite people is when you’re on vacation? Why is that the case? We have so many ways to connect with people nowadays, even from a distance. Can you schedule a weekly Zoom date with your best friend who is across the country? Or better yet, can you schedule an actual lunch with your best friend across town? Prioritize your favorite people and your mental health will thank you.
So think of why you love vacationing…and implement those things into your daily life.
And each day might feel a little more like a vacation.