We just got back from a 3-day trip to New Hampshire. Even though we were only away from home for 60 hours, it was a delightful getaway from the everyday. Can't do laundry when you're staying in a hotel. Can't pay bills when you don't have your account information. Can't spend much time on social media when reception is spotty.
It can be a lot of work to get out of town, but the benefits are significant. Most importantly, it changes your perspective. Being away from the everyday makes the pressing concerns of day-to-day life feel less pressing. And if you can't take an actual trip, there are alternatives that feel like getaways. Here are three to consider:
Read a book. Getting lost in a good book that takes place in a faraway destination or a different time period or in circumstances you can't imagine for yourself is the perfect break.
Take a walk. Looking at the sky or trees or water or birds provides a healthy sense of perspective. Even a walk around our corporate office park rejuvenates me and resets my mood.
Unplug. I've taken vacations from tech when I shut off my phone and stay off the computer for 24 hours or more. It gives me the opportunity to look up and engage. I came across this quote from Anne Lamott last week, "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you."
If there is a problem you are facing or if you can feel the stress building, ask yourself: How can I get away?
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