Step #1 For Having the Best Vacation Ever: UNPACK before you go!

If you’ve met with me even only once, chances are you’ve heard me talk about how important it is to add a “little vacation” for your brain every single day. I give my clients and audiences science-driven strategies that reduce the "need" for vacation (making it just a love for vacation) and that also let you optimize the impact a #vacation has long after you return.

SOLO, COUPLE, OR FRIEND TRIP:?

1. Unpack. Yes. Before you go, unpack your mind of the stressors that have no place going with you on your vacation. Write a letter...not to give to them...just to exercise (OR EXORCISE!) your thoughts about the issues or people who tend to burden your brain space in some way. Remind yourself that you will return to the concerns on __________ date of return to work. If this seems next to impossible, then decide which mental items will fit in a carry-on sized bag. Travel as light as possible!?
2. Be realistic. Avoid fantasizing that this will be the best vacation ever. Allow the vacation to unfold and be as fantastic as it will be. Be realistic about the value it has in your life right now. What do you need most from this vacation? ?
3. Lower the heat. Not talking about the Summer temperatures. This refers to your “internal environment”. Vacations are meant to feel restorative, enjoyable, and in some way special. When vacation becomes synonymous with over-indulgence of sugary foods, including alcohol beverages, a few things happen that work against the positive impact of the vacation experience. Inflammation of our brain and various body systems will result in feeling exhausted, mentally depleted, and possibly sick. Instead, enjoy desserts and/or cocktails in moderation. Again, what do you need most from this vacation??
4. Seek Silence, Find Flora. Don’t underestimate the power of the pause in nature. Well-researched or documented for centuries, immersing yourself in nature has profound impact on lowering cortisol and reducing anxiety. Equally researched are the findings on how important it is to have “alone time” to decompress. Silence in nature is a winning combination for mastering your mindset and restoring brain health. Sit on the beach in the early morning on your own. Go for a walk in the woods by yourself. Lie in the grass in your backyard and notice the leaves on the trees.?(For those in Manhattan area looking for a #staycation that helps you reduce the toxic impact of living in the City, check out www.adventurerecovery.com and ask me about the new AR City Life program designed for high-pressured city-dwellers!)

FAMILY VACA:?

1. Redefine the terms. Too often, I have heard from others AND experienced with my own family the "complications" and frustrations of traveling with kids. Getting ready for the trip, managing the trip, and getting life back on track upon return makes a vacation feel daunting. Typically, it’s simply not relaxing. That said, be sure to redefine the terms of family vacationing to be more about sharing experiences and creating those memories that get talked about for decades to come. ?
2. Collaborate. Before you go or as you start out in the car or plane, develop a collaborative plan with your life partner and/or the children themselves. Divvying up responsibilities by tasks or days ahead of time can reduce vacation stress.?
3. Be intentional. Have each person in the family set their intention for the day and/or decide on a family intention for that vacation day. “Today, I will connect with my child through play”, “Today, we will explore two new places” or “Today, we will create a new family game on the beach” are examples of Intentions for vacation days.?

For those who have taken time off at the end of this Summer, safeguard and prolong the positive effects of your vacation by using some or all of the strategies above.?

If you are someone who "lives for the weekends", let me know so you can live for every day have on this planet!

Do you or your team need strategies on how to actually add that bit of "vacation" into every day in order to optimize performance and wellness? Shoot me a message here and let's find a way to elevate your corporate experiences, enhance productivity, and enjoy your success.

[email protected]