GET AWAY FROM IT ALL : Signs That You Need A Break

As promised, this is the first post in my series on travelling.  I’ve put a lot of thought into the most important aspects of getting away, and I think the first one is how to realize that you actually need a break.

Burnout is very real!  I know this firsthand.  When I begin to feel so overwhelmed that the mere thought of my to-do list sparks anxiety, I know I need a breather.  When every possible little thing annoys me to no end, I know I need to step back from it all.  And when I begin to feel paralyzed by the weight of my responsibilities, that’s a sure sign that I need to disconnect and take care of me.  You can probably relate to some of those signs, as well.  Whenever they crop up, we should all take that as a sign that a break is in order.

I know there are so many people – parents and business owners especially – out there wondering how in the world they can possibly take a break.  Maybe these few suggestions – some free and some worth every penny – will help you realize that’s it’s really possible to escape when some mental health time is just what the doctor ordered.

1. Plan a stay-cation.  Catching the next flight to Bora Bora is not exactly possible for most of us.  However, that doesn’t mean that we still can’t get away, even when funds are limited.  Utilizing Groupon for a great one-night rate at a nearby hotel is always a good option.  Even staying home, without distractions, can be a breath of fresh air.  My husband & I planned a weekend staycation once when the kids were with their grandparents.  Neither of us expected it to be as refreshing as it was, but having the house to ourselves for the first time since living on our own was monumental, to say the least.
2. Make ‘Me-Day’ a non-negotiable.  I have a friend who takes a day to herself every week.  It’s non-negotiable, and though she may run out of fresh ideas for things to do, she always manages to do something.  It’s genius! Having a scheduled time where you indulge in the things you most love, whether that be exploring a new museum, getting a mani-pedi, or just catching up on some much needed sleep, is essential to never losing sight of the fact that you truly do matter.  Taking care of yourself is the best way you can take care of others.
3. Prioritize vacations.  If you value time away, it’s important to prioritize your vacations.  The same way you might plan for retirement or big purchases, sometimes quality vacations take just as much forethought and dedication.  My husband and I realized early on that vacations are an integral part of the health of our relationship with one another and the health of our relationship with our children.  Even though I miss them immediately after I leave and though it sounds very counter intuitive, I know getting that breather makes me a much more patient, loving, and present parent.  For that reason, we make long term goals to make sure we can fit the vacations in.  And we do this for both family vacations and vacations for just the two of us.

 

I’ll go into more vacation planning detail later in this series, along with posts on exactly how we can disconnect in this very wired world we’re living in.  Stay tuned…