Saturday, August 3, 2013

The Restorative Power of Vacations


Most of my vacations are actually a mix of vacation and work, as I imagine is the case for many people.  If I’m not actually doing a lot of work, I’m thinking about it, ruminating about the many projects, problems, and issues that I left back at the office and that await me upon my return.  It’s hard to relax completely since my mind is going a thousand miles an hour.  No matter what I’m doing or how much fun I’m having, that little pit of worry in my gut never quite goes away.

This vacation was different.  I can’t say exactly why.  I did all of the usual things on the vacation (we go to the same spot each year for a week in late July or early August).  I walked on the beach every morning.  I did a little running, played some tennis, and even paddle-boarded and kayaked for the first time.  In the afternoons, I’d sit by the pool and do some reading.  In the mornings and evenings, I ate with family members, many of whom I only see a couple of times a year.  I deliberately did not think about work, which was probably the game changer.  For the first time, I came back home feeling refreshed and restored. I have clarified some goals that I want to achieve.  I feel more confident.  I feel like taking more risks, being more fearless, being more competitive.    

What happened to me is what the best vacations are supposed to do.  Will it hold?  I hope so.  

No comments:

Post a Comment