What if Vacation didn’t have to end?
Recently I got back from nine days of vacation in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. I surprised my partner, Matt for his 40th birthday and booked us a vacation in the Baja. For us, vacation is about unplugging from our devices and automatic routines to relax, recharge and enjoy one another’s company while we create new memories exploring a new city and culture.
As we were approaching our final day, I thought to myself, why does vacation have to end? Of coarse we needed to get back to our jobs, home and families but how could we incorporate more of our vacation mindset into everyday life.
When we are on vacation we typically experience emotions like joy, serenity, love, awe, inspiration and content. All of these positive emotions result in taking meaningful actions throughout the vacation that create some of our fondest memories. Vacation not only has benefits in the moment but we also take that energy or “vibes” with us into the following day and weeks which makes us more creative, productive and even-keeled both at work and home.
Knowing all the benefits of vacation, why wouldn’t we want to channel that energy more often even when it’s not officially a day off? While I always encourage people to take days off, I want to challenge all of you to find ways to incorporate your vacation mindset into your daily lives. Shut down your computer to play an extra game of whiffle ball with your family, enjoy an ice cream mid-week, take a call while swinging in your hammock or move a 1x1 meeting outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. There are endless ways to channel “vacation” into our daily lives. Like everything, we just have to work at it and consciously make an effort to experience those thoughts, emotions and actions during a typical workday.
And, if you’re reading this and haven’t taken any vacation time yet this year, put in a request this week! Whether it’s 1/2 a day, a full day or multiple days in a row, vacation days are a benefit you have earned. You worked hard to have that time so go enjoy it guilt free. Your own body will thank you for taking the time to prioritize it as well as your employer and those you work with.
Comment below and share:
What are your favorite activities you do on vacation?
How can you take steps to incorporate that into your life more often than a few days or weeks a year?
