I have a confession to make, I'm a nomad at heart.
Sometimes I fantasize about wandering the globe, staying in Tahiti a month, off to New Zealand for half the year then slowly hopping my way around the world.
But life has a way of rooting us to a spot. Maybe it's a family obligation like caring for an ailing parent or raising children. It could be a job, familiarity or simply convenience.
Whatever the reason you have for staying in one place, make sure to schedule time away. Time to explore a new city or to simply relax. We all need it -- our bodies, minds, and psyches.
Being away from home feeds our souls. Here's how:
1. Disconnect
Taking yourself out of the normal day-to-day routine of life allows you to unplug in a way a "stay-cation" doesn't. Let's face it, if you're home, there's always something to do: cleaning, laundry, home repair. On vacation, none of that applies. Someone else will do it all.
Your only job is to have fun.
2. Step Out of Work Mode
A holiday provides time for your body and mind to relax.
We live in a work obsessed culture so we get tricked into thinking that we don't need down time. But we all do. Studies have even shown that taking a vacation makes you a more productive worker. Schedule in that time to go away and relax.
3. Reflection
Being removed from your normal every day existence gives you a fresh perspective on life. As a friend of mine used to say, "you can view the mountain from the plain."
In the daily slog of life, it's easy to get caught always looking at the next foothold up the trail, the next thing on the to-do list. Stepping out of that allows us to see the broader picture of our lives, where we are and where we want to go.
4. Creativity
Getting out of the normal routine and into a vacation or holiday space, is an invitation to open up to your own creative mind.
Creativity is hard to manufacture on demand. It needs space and time.
Watch how walking along the beach, swimming, sailing or lying in the sun can stimulate your creative juices. Maybe you'll solve a problem that's been vexing you at work or will see an easier way to systemize a program.
5. Play Time
Going away is an instant invitation to play.
When we think of play, we think of children. But really, we are all children at heart and that part of us can get really suppressed under all the duty, obligation and stress of being an adult. We put on the "serious" mask.
Vacation is a time to leave that aspect of you at home and reconnect with the inner child who needs to play, dance, skip and sing.
Convinced? Great!
Get started planning your next trip today! Your body and soul will thank you.
Shakti Sutriasa is the Founder of DecideDifferently.com, offering life coaching, counseling and workshops that combine modern psychology and spirituality to help people find their passion and purpose. Shakti is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has an MA in Education. Isn't it time you were living the life you deserve? Learn More And Download Shakti's FREE Meditation Kit - Click HERE
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