| I
Can't Afford to Take a Vacation
The truth is you can't afford not to.
I once had a boss who was entitled to six
weeks vacation and ten health days each year.
She was often heard boasting about how she
never took her vacation. And, she often
came to work so ill that the rest of us were
out sick for the week to follow. Nevertheless,
she is not alone in these preposterous practices.
So, if you think not taking
time off is good for your image, think again.
Whether
you work for yourself or for someone else,
your overall well-being, self-esteem and
self image are bolstered and deeply supported
by time away from your daily grind. Even
if all you do is close your door behind
you and stay in your pj's watching old
movies for a week, take yourself out of
your daily routine and the stress of “doing” all the time. Learn to “be” with
yourself and/or others in a new place, a
new space, a new way. You'll see very quickly
that the rewards are yours and the attitudes
of others will improve just from knowing
that you actually have a life outside your
work.
Great
getaways need not be long or expensive.
However, getting away on a business day
is a luxury. It feels special and just
a little naughty. Getting away on a weekend
day, well, anyone can do that. Here
are some ideas for image-adjusting getaways
Monday through Friday.
--
Look for a day spa in your area. Get a
massage, a facial or an entire day of indulgence.
Schedule lunch with a friend or that book
you've been waiting to read. Even just
one day doing something only
for you will shift your energy and can
feel like a week away.
-- Book yourself into a local hotel and become
a tourist in your own town. Order room service,
have breakfast in bed, go for a swim or a
steam, take a nap or a tour of local historic
spots. Whether you leave the room or not,
let someone else make the bed, worry about
the laundry, and deliver your meals. After
a few days you cant help but feel like new.
-- Get out of town, find a B&B or a local
inn. Have breakfast at the diner, take a
walk or rent a bicycle, take in the sites,
breathe in some fresh air and let out the
stresses of everyday.
Amazingly,
the world keeps spinning even while you're
away. By changing the pace and letting
go, you create
the time and space for good things to
come. Appreciate yourself, be good to yourself
and you'll see that others will do the same. |
