5 Ways to Inject an "Escape to Paradise" Into Your Daily Routine
Explore the benefits of a Vacation state of mind ...
It happens every year . . .
We work like mad — rising with the sun, bustling through the day, then dropping into bed at night, exhausted and stressed. And just like the movie, Groundhog Day, we wake up the next morning and do it all over again. The spin cycle of life in a constant loop.
So why do we endure this irrational routine of repetition and self-sacrifice?
Aside from the obvious (bills to pay, responsibilities to fulfill, promises to keep), for many, we willingly step onto the hamster wheel in the anticipation of finally being within reach of the well-deserved carrot we call vacation — that one or two weeks a year when we leave our boring, drama-laced lives behind and relax in peaceful abandon.
I began to wonder ...
Could I find a way to enjoy this blissful sensation on demand? What if every day — just for a little while — I could slip into a vacation state of mind? It seemed like a great idea, so I decided to test the theory by making a list (yes, I’m one of those).
At first, it was easy recalling memories from past idyllic trips and adventures. But was it possible to inject a literal escape to paradise into my daily, or even hourly, schedule?
I couldn’t pass up the challenge, the lure of relaxed and stress-free mental freedom too enticing to ignore.
Here are a few ideas that came to mind. I hope they inspire you to mentally “take off” and experience a bit of mind travel:
1. Sleep in or better yet, take the occasional afternoon nap.
I know this luxury may not seem like an option for those who have early-bird partners or supervisors expecting an 8:00 AM arrival. But it may be possible to accomplish more snooze time on weekends, days off, or by going to bed a little earlier at night.
As for the afternoon nap, I’ve been known to close my door and sneak in a catnap on my yoga mat after a light lunch.
2. Wear your vacation clothes.
Shopping for cute, fun, and skimpy outfits we wouldn’t wear around anyone we know (well, most of the time) is part of the excitement of planning a trip. Somehow — in our vacation state of mind — the scanty threads seem just right, even acceptable as wardrobe attire.
Here’s a thought — what if next Tuesday, you slipped on your favorite silk lingerie under your T-shirt or wore your dancing shoes while vacuuming and put a little rhythm in your step?
3. Get your vacation tan now.
While we know the sun is no longer our best friend, many of us still strive to achieve a sunset glow from a relaxing day by the pool or beach spent reading an engaging novel. Fortunately, there are options that allow for both. Sunscreen with a high SPH factor is a must every day, especially if you’re exposing virgin skin.
So how do you achieve a healthy, sun-kissed glow? Right out of a bottle, of course. There are several great products available that will give you a warm-to-deep tan within hours, with some offering a degree of SPF protection. So get your sun-kissed color on before going outside, and keep a protective layer of sunscreen on your skin at all times. Your beautiful tan will come right through!
4. Being there.
Admit it — the best part of a vacation is the anticipation of strolling along a perfect floury sand beach, imagining the playful midnight swims under a starlit sky. It’s easy to fantasize about lazy afternoons by the pool, romantic room service, and doing absolutely nothing at all — without guilt.
But all too often, the stress of packing and scheduling — not to mention delays in flights and transportation — can squelch the excitement and sense of adventure. The answer? Plan/add a pre-trip and start your vacation before it officially begins.
Consider spending the first night or two of your vacation time at a hotel or resort. Let your mind and body become accustomed to the idea that it’s okay to let go, relax, and get ready to have fun. And when the party’s over, allow yourself to de-stress by taking a day or two to ease back into your life — and use the time to relive the wonderful memories of the trip you worked so hard to enjoy.
5. Keep vacation time alive all year long.
While it’s wonderful to look back on your vacations through photos, video, and emails with friends, there’s always a new adventure waiting to be explored. What better way to slip into a vacation state of mind than to keep it right in front of you?
Check out travel deals and websites daily, and scatter a few magazines and brochures around your home. I have several by my bedside and, tonight, just before closing my eyes, I’ll be paging through pictures of crystal-clear waters and warm, sandy beaches planning my next journey — and wardrobe.
In fact, I’m headed to my bedroom right now with my yoga mat, tanner, and travel magazine to take a nap — anticipating the destinations my mind will take me to, for just a little while.
Until next time,
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Jaye Frances is the author of the suspense thriller trilogy World Without Love. Her other books include The New Girl in Town, The Beach, The Kure, and Love Travels Forever. Storyteller, truth-seeker, and optimist, Jaye explores relationships, philosophy, and the complexities of life - a day at a time. Jaye’s books are available at JayeFrancesBooks.com