Why is it when it comes to having time away (a time that should recharge us), we often return and quickly feel like we never left!
I wanted to try to explore ways of getting more from my short (1-2 day) holiday breaks away with the family so that they refuel me.
I want those breaks to have a lasting effect, to feel the benefit when I return to normal routine.
So, I did just this and headed to the coast! I took some things I love such as a camera for taking photos of the scenery, a notebook and pen to write down my thoughts and any ideas that come to me, and I took my workout gear.
One of my strategies for this break to really work, was to take myself away from anything that had a screen, for me a break from social media and the phone was key to really relaxing; no Wi-Fi, no clock watching, no tv on, no rushing round. This change allowed me to take “real-time” off from normal life. My time was spent doing the things I enjoy, allowed me time to pause and take everything in.
I was able to do activities that allowed me to feel really calm and positive, and I had emotional space to notice how much that environment was influencing my mood and behaviour. I felt so much happier and relaxed!
This time allowed me to see what my life can be like if I make certain changes when I return home. For example, managing my workload, looking at the time spent on tasks that are not really benefiting me, and limiting my screen use. I could focus on what I *want* to spend more of my limited spare time doing.
I took this opportunity of time away to start one of my goals; to eat a lot cleaner food (nothing artificial, only natural sugars). While there I really enjoyed buying food sourced from the local farm shops. I cut back my caffeine intake too, as it seemed the right time.
I love being by the sea and it was very clear to me how quickly this new environment had such a positive impact.
This time and space allowed me to feel recharged for the first time in ages; I had a real break!
keys to successful breaks
1, Choose an environment somewhere that’s the opposite to your home one, or to a place you really want to go to.
2, Cut back on “screen time” social media, phone calls, emails etc as much as you can.
3, Take a note of how the different places you visit whilst there made you feel. Was there anything that you felt some inspiration from? Drawn to? Want to now do? If so don’t forget to add them to some of your SMART goal lists.
4, Think about any new good habits whilst there you could bring back with you to include into your normal routine, such as eating better, getting more active, planning more “me” time doing things you enjoy.
5, Make sure you pack things that make you happy and are a positive way to occupy your time. Examples of this: reading materials, craft project stuff, walking gear, workout gear, notebook and pen etc. It’s great to try these activities in new surroundings.
6, stop clock watching, don’t rush around, you doing need to do this here so make the most of this.
7, every time you go to do some activity whilst away, just ask yourself do you want to do this or do you feel you have to, and try to do the I want to do this, over the I feel you should, this is for you this time. Can any tasks wait till you return, if so leave it for then this is your break.
9, pack ready for this break, take the things you have wanted to read, do, make but have not made the time and put them in the case ready, preparation is key.
10, take pictures, remember this time and use this when you return to remind you on where you want to be and the true aims you have in your life when back to normal routine.
Enjoy trying new things and all the different environments on offer. Look at how you react to the new surroundings and explore how it makes you feel and behave.
Brain Biscuits Coaching 