In the movie Bridget Jones Diary, Bridget takes a mini break and goes ‘on holiday.’ I remember that sounding so quaint and refreshing at the time and thinking, ‘I want to take a mini break and go on holiday’. And so I have, many times. I can now attest to the effects that a mini break can have on your body and mind. A mere two to four day holiday away from home can do wonders for your sanity and help you recharge mentally and physically. Just simply being away from daily pressures can help you gain a fresh perspective on life and what’s important, which is essential during these times when the stress of the economy, and every day obligations can take their toll.
I recently took a mini break to Atlanta. I didn’t really realize it until I embarked on my trip, but I had become stuck in a work, workout, see friends routine that was getting a bit old. My mini break was not necessarily relaxing but it was definitely re-energizing. I met some great people, bopped around Atlanta and spent quality time with my mom. The best part was the feeling I had coming back home to Raleigh. My perspective of my current work and life situation had changed a bit by merely being away for a few days. The drive home allowed me time to think and by the time I arrived, I had all kinds of new ideas bouncing around in my head. Traveling outside of my normal routine always gives me a brief high but the feeling is still pleasantly surprising. I strode into work on Monday feeling like a completely different person!
If winter is getting you stuck in a rut and you’re feeling a bit antsy, plan a trip for the weekend. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just spending some time a couple of towns away can do it. The benefits you reap will far outweigh the cost to your wallet.
To really get the benefits from your mini break, don’t plan too much. Go slow, take time to walk, reflect and think. The point is to be doing something you really enjoy, not traveling the whole time or running around to different activities, unless that relaxes you. If you need to move around, you could do an invigorating adventure activity outdoors. Or, if you need to relax and recuperate, you could rent a cabin and read the entire weekend. Volunteer with an organization close to your heart or take a dancing workshop in nearby city to connect with others.
Whatever kind of mini break you decide to take, remember that the happier and more relaxed you are, the more you can give to others. So go and do whatever you feel like doing. Indulge yourself. Your body and mind will thank you, and so will those close to you.
Have you taken a mini break recently? How did it affect you? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Other Articles You May Like:
14 mini vacation ideas: http://www.askmen.com/money/body_and_mind_60/98_better_living.html
Top Weekend Getaways for Entrepreneurs: http://www.entrepreneur.com/worklife/travelcenter/vacationdestinations/article166626.html
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Just stumbled acros your site. Completely agree with taking mini-breaks and not planning too much! Made that mistake before… felt more tired when I got back to work than relaxed!
And also “on holiday” – nothing quaint about that for us English – that’s what it is lol! Anyway enough about that, love the design of your site and as Mr Schwarzeneger says – I’ll be back!
The great thing about mini-breaks is the break from routine, the release from the life we create for ourselves. But it really only works if we turn off the the phone and the computer for a bit also, in my opinion :) I don’t always do that myself…
Well said Taylor, I rarely break from the iPhone completely – but they’re nice regardless :)