Thursday, July 24, 2008
Would a “staycation” help?
I recently read about the concept of a “staycation.” Although I don’t like to see people concentrate on the woes of our world, it sometimes is more difficult to find the extra funds to either drive or fly to a nice vacation.
So, is staying home on vacation going to have the same benefits as leaving home to vacation? Unfortunately, I sort of doubt it. Though a staycation is probably better than staying at work and remaining immersed in the hecticness so many of us endure, I think it’s a rare person who can make staying home on vacation work and work really well.
As much as you promise yourself not to worry about what needs done in the house or cooking or answering the phone or whatever, life will happen. And it will be darn hard not to slip into the routine. I think you may be able to pull it off for a very short time, but I think any more than that is unrealistic.
Vacations are valuable. They offer a host of benefits, including helping you live longer, improving your mental health. recapturing your sense of play, finding creative inspiration, becoming more productive overall and reducing the chance you’ll become overly fatigued or depressed.
So, if you need to scale back — and can do at least this — take the most simple vacation. Go find a little cabin in the woods and relax, if that’s something that appeals to you. Get away from all our technological wonders and the busyness of everyday. That will help you in numerous ways as you get back in touch with what really matters, de-stress, relax, get some sleep and delight in doing absolutely nothing.
That’s one of the best prescriptions for better health I can offer you! But, if you do take a staycation and absolutely revel in it, please let me know, and I’ll report back to others.