Every minute of my day is planned in advance. From how I spend my minutes to what I eat, it’s never left to chance. Call it OCD. I suppose it’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a pretty responsible way to live. However, this regimented way of life can become exhausting. Sometimes, you just need a break from it all. This past week, I did just that.
For the first time in five years, I didn’t have a plan or a single meal prepped. I just jumped on a plane with my luggage. The experience was bliss. It was a much-needed break from reality. I just let life happen. I ate healthy without eating my perfectly portioned pre-planned meals. I also enjoyed some treats, because I DESERVED IT! This is something that can be hard to do when you’re so regimented in your lifestyle. I’m sure some of you can relate.
As I grow, I am getting much better at living each moment to the fullest (not just following a pre-determined plan). I make sure that I love and have passion for what I spend time on, and I no longer stress out over the smallest things. Stress will always be there—it’s what you make of it, or how you respond to it, that makes all the difference. This perspective is what helped to inspire me to shake off the shackles of my schedule and let loose for a little “break from reality.”
Are you in need of a break too? Here are a few things to help you make the most of your time away from the grind:
Get Real With Yourself. Don’t pretend that you’re happy about doing things you don’t like. Sit down and re-evaluate what makes YOU happy vs. what makes OTHERS happy. Differentiating the two is critical for a happy, energized life. Figure out what truly makes you happy and do lots of that on your “break.”
Make A Non-Plan Plan. Plan to spend a day or several with family, loved ones, friends, or all of the above. Don’t have an agenda or a strict meal plan. Be in the moment, make healthy choices and LIVE! For us Type-A planners, this is scary. But, trust me—you need to feel this freedom from time-to-time.
Act Like A Kid Again. Remember when you were a kid and didn’t have a care in the world? Well, try to recapture that feeling during your “break.” That’s why I love to go to Disneyland so much. I can enjoy a whole day feeling and acting like a kid!
Write & Reflect. Carry a journal on your “break,” and write down how you felt and what you experienced. I have been carrying journals since I was a little girl and still do it. They help me to identify areas I can improve upon and recognize what’s working. This helps me let go of negativity and develop solutions to make change.
Take my advice, and implement a “break” from your daily grind! After my little vacay, I felt refreshed, recharged and even excited to get back to my day-to-day. Hit me up after you take your “break,” and let me know how it went. I would love to hear from you!
