by Corey McCusker
WTN Tour Leader and Mental Performance Coach at Your Mind Matters

Do you take time away to recharge?

Is life so busy you think “How can I ever get away?”

Do you feel like you are being irresponsible and guilty when you take time off?

Everyone needs a vacation once in a while.
Vacation can be an adventure and time away or time off from work to relax and hang out around the house. We all face the burden of meeting deadlines, managing our day-to-day life and making decisions. With all of this comes stress even if we don’t acknowledge it.

Ongoing stress takes it’s toll on your body and can affect your health and even can cause injury. When you are stressed and tired you are more likely to become ill. Stress hits us in many ways. You may find you lack sleep and feel fatigues. You may overindulge in eating and reach for sugar or carbs when life gets out of control. You may find that you are more irritable, depressed and anxious and forget things or make poor decisions. How fun are you to be with when you are stressed?

People who live busy lives may tell you they love it but their comes a time when quiet moments are necessary as we can get drained. Getting away from it all even if it’s for a short time helps recharge a person. Vacations have the potential to break the cycle not only from stress but just from the day to day things that come our way. When you go on vacation and enjoy it, it’s easier to come back and jump into our hectic lifestyle once again.

Here are key reasons to take a vacation:

1. Break the cycle and release stress.
   Getting away helps stop the chaos and allows you to take a break which helps reduce stress.
2. Gain a new and fresh perspective.
   When you take time away from your busy lives it helps stop the mental chatter and you can think clearer and see things in a different perspective.
3. Personal benefits-rest and recuperation from work.
   You allow yourselves to relax and get away from your busy schedules. Sometimes it takes a few days so be patient and welcome it.
4. New experiences, broaden horizons.
   When you go on vacation and visit new places it helps expand your awareness and explore new territory.
5. Promote peach and understanding.
   Getting away allows you to take time for yourself and feel peace and reflect on life.
6. Opportunity for learning about self or others.
   Taking time away from life allows you to get to know yourself or others better by spending time with them.
7. Connect with family and friends and bond.
   Taking family vacations or vacations with friends allows you to stop and reconnect with those you care about. Busy schedules sometimes prevents this.Once you decide to take a vacation action is necessary to make it happen.
8. Plan in advance.
   Do your research and determine what you can afford financially and how much time away is needed. Work within your budget. Make sure everyone involved agree on the itinerary.
9. Know the rules.
   If you are taking an airplane know what is necessary for luggage and documentation. There are many websites to review to ensure you know the rules. If you are going to a foreign country know what is customary and acceptable behaviour.
10. Remove any guilt because you are going on vacation.
    A vacation is to release stress but may also cause stress if you feel guilt for taking time off. If you plan ahead and budget know this is time that you deserve for your hard work and efforts in life.
11. Worried about all your emails when you return-check in!
    A vacation means leaving work at work and relaxing. If you are a person who gets tones of emails you may worry about it. If it’s possible and you want to check in then do so but avoid getting caught up in things you can’t do anything about while you are away. You may want to check in with family members at home too.
12. Made it an adventure, take pictures and create memories.
    Put your heart and soul into your vacation and enjoy it. Make sure you take pictures to capture those moments so you can reflect when you need to recall your great times!Vacations are a way to recharge yourself. Whether  you go away and travel the world or stay at home to recharge and organize, the choice is yours. When you do take time off remember that is your time and use it however you want.BON VOYAGE!

    To book your next vacation or adventure contact the travel professionals at the Womens Travel Network.ca
    P: 905-771-8338 or toll free 1-888-419-0118
    E:  info@womenstravelnetwork.ca