Bringing Back Your Vacation Vibes to Reality
By: Nancy Coblenz
@Rebel Role Model
It’s a feeling we all have, returning from a glorious vacation, with a sun-kissed glow, and meditative state of mind. And then, reality hits you square in the face. School time is gearing up for the kids, work load piled up, and there are emails for days. The stress is back in full force. What do we do to keep that vacay Zen just a little longer?
The primary goal during vacation is disconnecting. No phones, no emails, no internet. By truly parting ways with your daily habits of productivity, a type of healing occurs within the mind and body. When you are thrown into the daily grind, try to schedule a set time to disconnect completely from all distractions. The key is acknowledging that no matter how important a task may seem, it’s not as important as your sanity. Please put down the phone.
During this time is when meditation can be so helpful and a very useful destresser. The most basic form of meditation is when you disconnect from your worries, stresses, and daily tasks through breathing exercises. I recognize that meditation is not for everyone, so find another activity that centers you. You can also achieve this “vacay state of mind” with reading a book, gardening, cooking, wrenching on a car, or building a bookshelf.
You get the idea.
If you are someone who needs to remove yourself physically from your environment, then nature is the best way to reconnect with your soul and reprioritize. Whether it is going to a national state park, or just your neighborhood park, experiencing the rhythm of nature, really helps your inner being. Again, it is the act of disconnecting and finding your Zen. If you enjoy historical places, find a new museum or preserve, which can also be an educational field trip for the kiddos as well.
Lastly, vacation is all about exploration, and being open to trying new things. Maintain that curiosity at home, and try to experience new attractions, plays, concerts, festivals, and tours. As you open to new adventures anywhere you go, it will seem like every day is a vacation.
Nancy Coblenz