Are you imagining a relaxed time when you can enjoy? Perhaps a beach vacation, a mountain adventure, or travel to a new or known place. Somehow words related to pleasure keep popping up in my mind. Quite a contrast to the pressures of working in busy a medical practice or hospital. Whether a physician or nurse, the imagined quiet when away is quite appealing.
I’ll be going on vacation in a few weeks, and now is the time when the pressured feeling is arriving prior to departure. The excitement of the initial reservations and planning is mixed with the reality of making sure I “have everything in order.” The details of leaving are beginning to matter more and more. I want to be sure all the follow ups are organized, the regular tasks will be taken care of, my bills are paid, the kids (even though they’re young adults) have back up, and I’m thinking about the special clothes, shoes and toiletries I may want to bring.
With all this, I’m becoming aware of the pressures on return. In a recent Marketplace interview related to vacation one person stated “When I have taken longer vacations, I come back and find that the work load has piled up.” Is the fear of return creeping into your pleasurable thoughts?
The question of whether to post blogs while I’m away also arose. I’ve decided I won’t be posting for the 2 weeks. After all, what kind of example would I be setting for myself, and you, regarding the ability to let go and enjoy life fully in the present? All around us we see how people remain tethered to work through the internet and texting. For many this is a way to burnout and/or burn bridges with those you’re traveling with.
For vacations to be successful, it’s like much of life – Preparation Matters. This does not necessarily mean that you plan the exact place you’re staying overnight, let alone every moment, however becoming familiar with where you are going, knowing how you like to travel and anticipation of the personal pleasures of your vacation can extend your joy into this present moment, allowing you to savor now.
So, in addition to preparations related to getting “everything in order,” you might want to spend a few moments a day doing some of what follows. Here are some ideas of what people I admire do to prepare for vacations.
- Read a book(s) that is about the area or a novel set in your destination
- If going to a foreign country, partake in some kind of language learning as simple as Berlitz to more extensive audio programs
- Review some travel guides to stimulate ideas; this will guide your packing and help you hone in on what you most want to do and see while away
- For those who like maps or will be traveling while away, especially by car, get some maps
- Think about and plan for how to maintain some of the vacation pleasures upon return – photos, albums, travel log with short “stories” to jog the memory
Embrace your love of learning and desire to achieve, and take full advantage of your vacation as a way to connect with your well-being. Start to enjoy now, then while you’re away from work, and continue to enjoy upon your return.
How do you want your vacation to be? What steps will help you enjoy your trip even before you’ve left home? Leave comments by clicking the text bubble at the top of the blog post.
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
Revitalize Your Life
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