I’m off to a mini vacation and I’m feeling oh-so-self-righteous about it.
Research suggests that people who take regular vacations are less likely to be sick. But have you noticed that sometimes just planning a vacation can throw your stress levels off the chart?!?
The key is to take mini-vacations every single day. Mini-vacations are `strategic pauses’ where you break away from a pattern you’re engaged in or a particular physical position, give your mind and body a change of scenery and make a small dent in your stress level.
It’s as simple as taking a lunchtime break. Walking away from your desk for 2-3 minutes every hour. Taking a bath with no interruptions. Sitting at your desk looking at a photo of a serene place or people you love. Watching a really good movie. Listening to a piece of music you love while doing nothing else. Or, like me right now, taking a 36-hour spontaneous excursion to the countryside.
Those moments, when added up, read: S-A-N-I-T-Y!
(PS After publishing this entry, one of you had written a cautionary note, which I thought was worth sharing. He wrote: “Taking a bath with no interruptions in the office might be a little tricky”)
Questions, ideas or need help? Get in touch, anytime!