How To Go On Vacation When You Can't Go On Vacation

This article was written a few days ago, before I went on vacation. Yes, I am on a short vacation. I plan to relax, enjoy and recharge. I really need it! So does the rest of my family. We have visions of just enjoying one another and our friends that we are going to meet up with. It's not always possible to physically go on vacation, but it is necessary to at least go on a mental and emotional vacation.

Some ideas for how to go on vacation, when you can't go on vacation:

1. Put something visually relaxing in your work space. What are the places you enjoy? I have a screen saver picture of the beach. When I look at it I can almost smell the ocean and feel the warmth of the sun. Another picture I have is of a favorite family vacation that we took a while ago. When I look at that picture, I relax, enjoying a good memory, remembering a time when life slowed down for a little while.

2. Plan time into your schedule to do something you enjoy. I'm talking about something simple, inexpensive and relaxing. I enjoy sitting by the fire with a good book, or going for a long run alone. I make time for something that will help me to clear my mind. I'm always fresher when I come back, which makes me more efficient and effective.

3. Sit down and actually plan for a real vacation, or plan for that dream home or whatever it is for you. Put together a collection of materials, photos, brochures, ideas of what you are working towards. This can help you to keep at it when the days get long and tough. You can pull that collection out and remember that you are working towards something that is going to be great.

These are just three ideas. They don't appear to be life changing, but they could be. Not going on a mental and emotional vacation can be like trying to drive your car full speed while it's in second gear. Pushing on that accelerator, burning out your engine and getting nowhere fast. Continue to do that and eventually you will have a whole new set of problems.

So stop, make time to "get away" each week. Make time to recharge, and cast that vision for the future when all your work will pay off.