Most of us would instantly answer ‘yes’ to the question of whether or not we need a vacation. But, it’s hard to take a break from life’s responsibilities, so vacations are few and far between. How can we get the benefit of a vacation without ever leaving our neighborhood?
Have you ever looked up from your work only to realize you’ve neglected to take a break for the whole day?
Oops it’s already 5 pm and you haven’t had anything but a candy bar and some after dinner mints all day. Are you cranky and hangry because you worked through lunch? You need a mental vacation Senor!
Do me a favor- Don’t rush through this blog like you have somewhere else to be. Read it slowly and deliberately. Read it at conversation speed. For the next 5 minutes, you’re on vacation, amigos!
Vacations are a respite from everyday life.
When you’re on vacation you try to soak it all in, because you know your time is limited. You focus on the moment while you’re on vacation because you don’t want to miss a thing. Contrast this with your everyday life, which we mistakenly view as unlimited, and where our minds are anywhere but the present.
How can we get this vacation feeling, while going about our day to day existence?
- Take a mystical vacation
Read a quick chapter/ story book. Make your mind wander whilst sitting in your office/ house chair. I always prefer magical realism, it’s the most unique form of narrative fiction.
The stories feel relatable while disrupting the notion of objective reasoning and perception, which can be really freeing.
- Unplug and disconnect
If you want to give yourself a mental break, you may need to give yourself a tech one, too. Even if it’s just for a few minutes or for a few hours, turn off the television, put your phone on silent and simply enjoy a few minutes totally and completely electronic-free. Maybe take a few deep breaths and meditate, or go outside for a walk. Whatever you need to do to feel like you’re getting an escape, even if you actually aren’t, go ahead and do it.
- Meditation/mindfulness
Taking a moment to breathe and refocus your thoughts is an awesome way to get emotional space. I’m a big fan of the Calm App, which has a variety of mini meditations to help you take a brain break, even during busy days.
- Look at pictures reflecting happy moments in time
Open up the “gallery” on your smartphone or computer, or pull out snapshots from a photo album of a family vacation or a fun dinner with friends. Reflect on your memories of that occasion, and what made it so enjoyable. Spend a few quiet moments reminiscing, and you’ll find yourself more relaxed. Even blurry pictures are eye-candy at stressful times!
- Listen to music
My absolute favorite, stressbuster! Earphones on, world off.
Prepare a special playlist for relaxing with some of your favorite music that is attached to happy memories, or music designed for relaxation. Use the playlist for a short daily escape; close your eyes and listen to these soothing sounds. If this sounds too cliché, listen to your likes! It’s your playlist after all. Put in some rocking EDM or hip-hop. Make sure you enjoy every second of that song though.
- Transform your bathroom into a spa
Cause, why not? Treat yourself just the way you want to. DIY your own hotel room treatment at home! Sweat it out, soak it out, mediate, relax and be in the moment.
In our everyday lives we are in such a hurry that we jump from one activity to the next. Slow down! Try to live at 3/4 speed for a few minutes.
And there you go folks, all you ever needed to know about how to take a break!
Real talk, I can personally attest to the absolute necessity of frequent, meaningful breaks. You deserve a wonderful, satisfying life that doesn’t drain you emotionally. So take a break or two. You’ll never regret taking a break but you might just regret it if you don’t.
Maansee Bakhrey
Content team
ZUPERLY
