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I recently took a long vacation to
my favorite destination of Kauai, HI. My husband and I
go every year around the time of our anniversary. I used
to say that we went because it was our anniversary but
now I realize that we go just because we love the island
and we appreciate having the time to get away, sit back
and relax for a while. Each time I mentioned that I was
leaving for a trip to someone I always received the same
responses: “Lucky you, oh I wish I was going, I have not
gone on vacation in five years…etc”.
To me, a vacation is a necessary part of my life and I
need to do it in order to keep myself healthy and not to
mention sane.
In our society, we are driven to
succeed, work hard to move up the ladder, sacrifice our
time and energy to get ahead. But when it comes to
supporting this natural drive, we forget how to do it.
When was the last time you took a trip that was not to
visit family. Don’t get me wrong, visiting family is
important and sometimes fun. However, it usually does
not provide you with the opportunities to experience new
things or just to sit back and relax.
Studies have shown that people who
take vacations have a lower risk of heart attack and
heart related illnesses, lower anxiety and depression
and also increased relationship satisfaction. Vacations
provide a means to get away from everyday stressors and
take a break. Our mind, body and spirit get to enjoy
some time off and rejuvenate so that when we are back in
our normal everyday lives, we can tackle those tasks
with new fervor. You are more effective at your job when
you are relaxed and calm. Otherwise you get caught up in
the stress of the |
problems instead of finding
solutions. Vacations also help us put our lives in
perspective, re-evaluating what is really important and
what just got caught up in the mess.
Now keeping that state of mind you
achieved while on vacation may seem a little tricky.
Especially when you are greeted with a million emails in
your inbox and a pile of work on your desk. It is
important to not get caught up again but allow that
relaxed state to carry you through. Don’t overwork
yourself right off the bat because the work will be
there tomorrow. Also, have pictures of your vacation
handy so you can remind yourself of the fun time you
had. Lastly, start planning your next trip even if it is
just while daydreaming because that will provide you
with something to look forward to.
I am always daydreaming of returning to that aloha
spirit I found in Kauai and I know I will be there again
soon.
Sunset at Hanalei Bay, Kauai September 2007 |
