As a senior executive of your company you go a hundred miles an hour, handling investors and the board, directing your leadership team, and making sure things are moving forward. Do you need a break, but it's just not possible right now?
While going on a Caribbean Island vacation sounds heavenly, that might just not be an option. Nevertheless you and I both know that you need a break, so I put together a list of short breaks and staycation ideas that you can hopefully squeeze in to recharge your batteries.
How much time you can dedicate for a little R&R may vary, but, no matter how long you can step away, try to incorporate these 5 general ideas:
Change of scenery. Get out of the house. Everyone can get “stuck in a rut.” Routinely doing the same things day in and day out, especially when we are in the same environment is a rut. Switch it up to break this habit and do something different. Just merely getting out of the house can help.
Go out into nature. Getting outside can improve your physical as well as emotional health. Just a 30-minute walk in nature will reduce feelings of anxiety and other negative emotions. Make sure to leave your phone at home or in your pocket (on silent) so you can truly experience the benefits of nature.
Soak up the sun. Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels can dip. Low levels of serotonin are associated with a higher risk of depression.
Sleep as long as your body needs. Good sleep can maximize problem-solving skills and enhance memory. Poor sleep has been shown to impair brain function, athletic performance and increase weight gain.
Taking a break can involve as much or as little company as you like. What is more relaxing for you? Do you need a break alone, with family, or with closest friends? Here are some general thoughts as you decide what you want to do.
1. Alone time
Can be most rejuvenating especially if you are surrounded by people all the time.
Ideally stay away from electronics, the news, social media, or any other channel that will bring you back into the real world.
Alone time can require an understanding spouse who agrees to take over your responsibilities for that time. As an incentive, maybe offer the same solo break in return.
2. Family time
Deeply connecting with your spouse and children can help refocus on what's truly important to you in life.
Feeling their love can revive your soul, rather than only feeling like a worker bee in a beehive.
Taking time to again listen to their needs can help you realize how you can best support them making you feel like the best mom or spouse in the world again.
3. Closest friends
A glass of wine or two and the freedom to vent can be the perfect break. Friends can be a great outlet for that.
Often catching up with close friends over a few hours rather than just a quick phone call, may finally allow the two of you to go deeper on your conversation too.
What you can do if you have just 1 day:
Alone Time:
Create a menu of the things that nourish you (e.g. pool time, getting your nails done etc.) and allow your intuition to guide you as you decide each moment what you want to do.
Reading in the park or library
Get creative and bring out the arts and crafts
Rewrite your bucket list
Go through old photos
Stroll through antique shops
Take a bubble bath or get a massage
Family/Friends:
Play board games or puzzle
Have a picnic (we always talk about things like that but never do it)
Bake something or cook your favorite meals together
Go for a hike
Camp with your kids in the yard
Have a dance party at your house
Stay up late and discover star constellations together
My nieces spending the night outdoors in their trampoline…
If you have 2 days
Alone time:
Rent a cabin with a stunning view
Book a luxury hotel to pamper yourself
Rearrange the furniture in your house
Take a trip to a close by city you never explored, treat yourself to a nice meal and stay overnight.
Family/Friends:
Take 1-1 time with each of your children to more deeply connect
Plan a romantic dinner with your spouse
Go yurt camping
Plan your next big vacation, not even knowing when that might be
Taking a mini escape will not only help your body get back into the parasympathetic nervous system (i.e. your rest & digest state where inflammation reduces and your organs recuperate, including your brain), but will also allow you to feel alive and optimistic again.
Learning how to relax is important. We know you want to take a break and we are here to help. Let us guide you into a self-care practice that gives you the breaks you deserve. To learn more click the 'Contact' button in the top right corner or simply send us an email to info@joyvial.com to schedule your free discovery session.
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