Why Taking a “Mental Vacation” Is So Important and How to Do That

Are You Taking a “Mental Vacation” Each Day?

Whether your answer is yes or no to the question above, we encourage you to check out this article. You’ll learn about the importance of taking a mental vacation as well as easy ways to do so. Incorporate these tips into your already-established, daily practice or start practicing them each day!

First, what does it mean to take a “mental vacation?” A mental vacation is a “planned break that should be rich in detail — devoid of any interference from real life.”

According to Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, “We’ve lost even the micro-moments during the day” that give our brains a rest. “Our brains never have the bandwidth to actually recharge or rejuvenate.”

Achor shares how these moments of quiet and disconnection are important to help our brains realize we can have that separation and still have that productivity and happiness.

For these reasons and many more, it’s critical for all of us to take a mental vacation a little every day.

Here are some easy ways to take a mental vacation:

Unplug electronics. Turn off your PC(s) and/or mobile device(s)and take in your surroundings.

Get outdoors. Visit a park or a favorite spot nearby and appreciate the beauty you see around you.

Explore different cultures. Check out museums, see a musical at a community theatre, listen to live music, etc.

Go for a quiet, solo drive. Take a brief drive alone in the afternoon and keep the radio off for the first 10 minutes.

Sip coffee. Take a coffee break to destress, relax and feel the continuous stream of self-esteem boosters.

Close your eyes and sleep. Take a power nap for five to 30 minutes at any time during the day to recharge.

Spoil yourself. Indulge in something relaxing like a massage, facial, bubble bath or other self-care treat.

Do or try relaxing activities. Engage in new or favorite activities or hobbies that are purely fun and/or relaxing (e.g., yoga). Something as simple as playing tropical music (like a steel drum station on Pandora) might be enough to relax your shoulders and your mind.

Lighten your list. Try to get as much work done as possible before your first break of the day, stay organized and prioritize your tasks.

Click here to for more ways to take a mental vacation!

Sources:

“The Professional’s Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation,” Carolyn O’Hara, hbr.org, Aug. 14, 2014.

“7 Ways to Take a Mental Health Vacation (Without Getting on a Plane,” Ashley Laderer, talkspace.com, March 15, 2018.

“8 Ways Parents Take Mental Vacations From Life,” Jon Helmkamp, huffpost.com, June 3, 2015.

“How You Can Take a Mental Vacation in Pandemic? — 5 Step Guide,” Manas Bhardwaj, medium.com, Nov. 18, 2020.