Tomorrow kicks off the long weekend!
Planning what to do each summer is exciting. Most people have been dreaming about their summer vacation plans since fall. It gives people something to look forward to and to work towards.
Nothing feels better than a restful holiday well earned. In fact, taking vacation time is highly recommended for a very scientific reason: vacations help you to live longer. Daily life is stressful for many people, so taking time to relax is important for your mental, emotional and physical health. Your body will thank you for taking a break from have-tos and indulging in the rest of want-tos.
That being said, not all vacations are stress free--especially when you are ill-prepared. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your summer holidays so that they are restful, not stressful.
1). Plan Specifically: Don't leave planning to the last minute, don't wing it, don't waste you precious time by being cavalier. Make a specific plan for your time-off. Make sure you do this ahead of time, so that you have lots of space to adjust and dream. Craft a fun to-do list filled with all the exciting things you want to do on your time off, such as taking a nap each day or reading the book you've been looking forward to.
2). Leave Room for Spontaneity: Plans are important in giving you structure to work from, but they need not be the end all, be all. If you've planned a day trip to the mountains but decide you'd much rather re-watch all of Friends on Netflix, put away the car keys and take out the ice cream. Listen carefully to what your body and mind need. That being said, don't get lazy. Push yourself when required.
3). Don't Feel Guilty: You have earned this break. You deserve a vacation. It is okay to work hard AND play hard. The worst thing you can do on holidays is feel guilty because you should have cleaned out the garage, or picked up the extra hours, or driven 12 hours to visit a great aunt you haven't seen in ages. There will always be reasons to be stressed, but give yourself permission to relax. It's okay to take a time-out from reality, especially when you really need a break.
In conclusion: have fun, relax and enjoy the gorgeous weather!
(Image Via Canva)
Posted by Ken Richter on
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