For many, summer brings warm memories of vacations past. As adults we often get so busy that we do not always make time to take vacations. Vacations are important for our mental health. Some of the benefits of taking a vacation are:
- Provides time to exhale and relax
- Boosts our feelings of happiness
- Decreased depression
- Helps you to de-stress
- Reduces anxiety
- Provides opportunities to connect and reconnect with loved ones and friends
- Improves overall well being
- Can help to improve your resilience when your return to work and daily responsibilities
- Provides opportunities to take a break from daily routine
- New place and activities can broaden your perspective
- Boosts creativity
- Can health improve physical health
- Decreases burnout
Dreaming, planning, and going on a wonderful vacation is wonderful experience. Some this year may not be able to go on that type of vacation due to travel, time, or financial limitations. It is still important to take that vacation time and enjoy being away from your daily regular routine.
Here are some ideas for a vacation closer to home:
- Go camping
- Stay at a local hotel, resort or bed and breakfast
- Visit a national or state park
- Do the touristy things in your city and surrounding areas
- Take a day trip
- Enjoy local museums, science centers and art galleries
- Book a day at the spa
- Plan a food tour and try some new restaurants or type of foods
- Transform your favorite room of your house into a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Add your favorite candles, find a soft blanket to snuggle up in, start to the read the book you have been waiting to read, watch your favorite movies and maybe take a few naps.
Taking the time and effort to plan a vacation each year is definitely worth the effort! You will receive many benefits from your time and effort. If you struggle with being able to take the time needed or yourself, our therapists would love to talk with you. For more information, please see https://upstaterestorativecounseling.com/