1. To make less tense. Check, no tension here, no neck pain. I’m very relaxed - just waking up from a nap. Something about the beach air and sun always slow me down. I smell salt water and my tension melts away. For me the beach is my therapy place. Sinking my toes in the warm sand, listening to the water and waves, soaking in the rays. I become one with the universe and completely relax.
What is your therapy place? How do you relieve tension?
2. To relieve Nervous stress - Check. I don’t feel a lot of nervous stress day to day anymore; I no longer have a job that causes a lot of stress. My sister and I were a tad nervous about the VRBO we chose. It's one of those killer deals, $60/night for a bay front view condo? We had visions of a total dive or nasty bug filled wreck. I threw my trust to God and thought we’ve never been steered wrong. It's a great place and super quiet - just like the photos showed. Phew, thank God!
On a “ Normal” workday, I stop, breathe, put on essential oils, meditate, exercise, and do yoga to relieve nervous stress.
How do you deal with nervous stress?
3. To seek rest or recreation. Check, I’m 100% seeking some much needed R&R. No alarm clocks and this trip we have nothing scheduled. That’s pretty huge for the project planner in me. I literally left for vacation with zero planned other than arrive, soak up some sun and rest.
Recreation is much more simple these days. ? The question of the day - Do we stay by the pool or go on the beach How far do we walk in the nature preserve or park? No more kids adventures to plan. No sights to see, people to meet, things to do. Just whatever we feel like. That in itself is relaxing.
What do you seek on vacation - rest? Recreation? Both?
#4 To cease working - No check. I used hold the belief that if I wasn’t 100% not working, I couldn’t distress and relax. I had to unplug and get away, in order to distress. I don’t have a high stress job or say,“Ha ha, I eat, drink and sleep stress, that’s my life.” anymore. I agree that unplugging and not working is important and vital to rejuvenate and rest.
However, I love my work and clients - it’s not stressful. I don’t feel like I just wanna get away and can't wait for vacation. Lately, I’ve been taking working vacations. I'm a solopreneur and time off has a new look and feel. Taking time off and doing less work and resting more. I'm still working a bit, taking care of clients, but not checking email frequently or doing a lot of deep intense work. I’m often inspired to write more while on vacation, like this blog. I’ve discovered it’s more my mindset. It is less where I am and what I’m doing vs. I have to go to this place and do this or that- then I can relax.
How do you cast off your anxiety? Vacation, daily practices, gardening, exercise?
5. To become Less formal or reserved - Check. Shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits with sandals. No formal or reserved wardrobe on vacation. Not that I’m too formal most of the time at work from my home office. Nor am I too reserved most of the time. I’m a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) gal. On vacation I can be as relaxed as I like. Jammies till its time to pool or beach it. No alarm clock, few meetings at a specific time, no agenda, or action item list.
How about you - where are you less formal and reserved?
That's all for my vacation musings in the word relax. I hope you take time to relax in whatever way works for you and your life – even if it’s just a few moments of peace and quiet. If you and yours are vacationing, may you find relaxation as well.
So, what about you? How do you relax? Do you take vacations or working vacations or both? What will you do this week to relax? I'd love to hear from you. Comment, like, share. Let's start a conversation.
Would you like help or support to plan a vacation, learn how to relax or change a habit?
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Peace, love, and blessings,
Teresa - relaxed at the coast.
Teresa Q. Bitner, M.Ed., PMP, ACC
Resiliency, Change and Loss Specialist
Partnering with those who have been knocked down my life and want to build resiliency and move forward and live a bold life.
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www.boldfulfilledlifecoach.com
Author of Soul Love: How A Dog Taught Me to Breathe Again