Ah, summer. We often think of it as vacation season.
Let’s look at the definition of the word vacation:
Vacation: noun. A period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday.
According to the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, it is imperative to take a vacation from everything going on during the summer to prevent burn out. Here in Memphis, the summer can be incredibly hot and incredibly humid. These conditions lead to a flaming of the internal fire for people- underlying irritability, quick tempers, impatience, lack of empathy, and finally, a lack of desire to do much of anything.
This calls for time to relax, play, cool off, take a break, and chill. I know, some thoughts like “I don’t have time to chill!” or “I don’t have the resources to just take a week off of work!” can be prompted. So, let’s broaden our perspective about what a “vacation” might look like.
If a vacation is a suspension from work and responsibilities, let’s look at how we can take a vacation in small ways throughout the week. Here are some simple ideas:
- If working on a computer, take a moment to stare out the window at the furthest point and to breathe. This helps to relax the eyes and briefly take our mind a way from whatever we had been focusing on.
- Take a walk around the block, to the mailbox, or the garden and notice all of the colors along the way.
- Jump on a rebounder for 5 minutes. (Immune and energy booster!)
- Meet a friend for lunch or coffee.
- Set a timer and sit quietly for 5 minutes, noticing all of the different things that can be heard- internally, externally near by, and externally far away.
- After a long hot day, try a foot soak in a tub of cool water with or without essential oils.
- Mindfully eat a piece of fresh fruit for dessert.
- Pause and listen to a song that lifts the mood.
- Add self-massage with coconut or sunflower oil prior to getting into the tub or shower.
- Put a few slices of cucumber in water and sip frequently throughout the day.
- Watch a funny video and get a good laugh in.
With school starting back and things getting busier and busier as we move deeper into the year, taking time for mini breaks can be helpful and rejuvenating. This week, try to start thinking of this idea of “vacation” as a form of self-care. When we neglect to take breaks and “cool our jets”, especially in the heat of summer, physical, mental, and emotional burnout can come on quickly. Whatever the situation, let’s try to focus on how we can give ourselves a break today and feel better right away.
So, get creative. Think of different ways to take a break. You deserve it! And you will find that when you take a few moments every day to take care of yourself, you will have more energy for all of those tasks you needed a break from to begin with.
Give it a try. And I will be trying too.
Chat again soon,
k