All of us, and yes, I do mean all of us, can benefit from taking time off every once in a while!
But why?
You’ve probably heard the phrase “fill your cup” before. I’ll admit, the line is a tad cliche and often overused, but it does hold a seed of truth I think we all need to take to heart.
Life is busy. At times, overwhelming.
For most of us, our days are filled with a lot of “output.” We have families to care for, work projects to attend to, groceries to shop for, and homes to keep clean. All of this, although good and valuable ways to spend your time and energy, can feel draining after a while.
Even under the best circumstances, a life without taking breaks from the day-to-day hustle and bustle isn’t healthy for anyone.
When it comes to taking breaks, there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach. Vacations can be as unique and varied as the individuals planning them. In fact, I propose we change the traditionally accepted vision of “vacation” as being a trip you take somewhere new, and instead write our own definition!
Here’s mine:
VACATION: Taking an intentional break from daily stressors and schedules to pursue rest.
Can you see how that definition could apply to lots of things? It’s not so important what you do on your vacation or where you go during your time off. What ultimately matters is that you are taking time off to prioritize giving yourself the space for rest. Time to breathe. Time to remember you are MORE than your “outputs” or accomplishments.
Alright, let’s talk practical examples! Your vacation could (but doesn’t have to) look like this:
- A long trip (the more traditional concept of vacation)
- “Mini-vacations” (ex: a short weekend getaway)
- Service trips
- Staycations
- Intentional family time
- Personal retreats
These are all GREAT ways to build some rest and relaxation into your life.
Okay, now that we’ve all agreed that occasionally taking time off might be a good thing for your life, we need to acknowledge the elephant in the room:
Taking time off for a vacation isn’t always easy.
There are certainly challenges that can make stepping away from daily life and giving yourself space for rest and relaxation difficult at best. Some common obstacles may include:
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- Finances (Fact: travel is expensive.)
- Busy Schedules (“I just don’t have time!)
- Caregiving for loved ones (ex: elderly parents or small children)
- Distractions while “away” (ex: answering work emails)
I won’t downplay any of these obstacles. They ARE real challenges and can make vacationing, perhaps especially long trips away, more difficult.
“But Sarah, you just said taking breaks is important?!”
I did. It’s true. For every obstacle, there are solutions, but they may require some flexibility, creativity, and, most importantly, the determination to make taking a break a priority.
If you are ready to take some time off and enjoy a “vacation” of your own, here are a few success strategies you may find helpful:
- Preschedule Time Off
Some people are capable of spontaneous trips and last-minute (or even unscheduled) breaks…but most of us simply can’t do that. Don’t assume you’ll “find time later” – schedule your breaks and vacations far in advance. Put them on your calendar and tell others. This not only increases the likelihood you’ll take the time, it let’s other know you’ll be “offline.”
- Set Boundaries With Your Time Off
Have you ever gone on vacation only to be interrupted regularly by work calls and emails?Yeah, me too. That’s really not the point of “taking a break” is it?If you want your vacation to be what it is truly created to be (a time for rest, renewal, and relaxation) you need to establish some boundaries with your time off. If you’re able, I highly suggest setting up autoresponders for email and keeping your phone on “Do Not Disturb” as much as possible. Identify who will handle different aspects of your work and make sure to communicate that information to the people who need to know.
If you absolutely must bring work with you, make a plan for when you take it out and when you will put it away. Without firm boundaries in place, there’s a good chance your “break” will just turn into “work on location.” Again, if you’re traveling with someone, share your plan and ask them to “call you out,” if you slip into old habits.
- Think Outside the Box
If life demands making traveling impossible, don’t worry! You don’t need a different location to take a good break. Be open to thinking creatively and planning some fun, intentional evenings or weekends at home.
For example, you could pick up your favorite take-out and have a movie night. Or you could invite some friends over for a wine tasting. Play a board game (remember those)?
When was the last time you took some time off? Do you have plans for any future vacations? I’d love to hear about your experiences.
And, for those of you who achieved mastery over guilt and stress free vacations and breaks, we’d love to hear your story.
Drop a comment in the box below and share your tales.
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Article was contributed by: Maria Lees, Team Writer with Sarah Boxx
