When was your last vacation? If you had to think about this question, then you’re probably overdue for one. As I start to prepare for our next adventure, it dawned on me that there are three vacations everyone should be taking once a year…
Family Vacation
“When you travel with your children, you’re giving them something that can never be taken away: experience, exposure, and a way of life.”
Pamela T. Chandler
As parents, I understand the work we do can be stressful. I also understand that as much as we don’t like it, we have a tendency to bring that stress home. Studies have found that the more stress parents experience, the less supportive they are when responding to their kids’ negative emotions. That’s why taking time off work to enjoy family time, not only reduce stress, but it can help reduce your kids’ stress as well, “What worries me the most, is we’re not telling kids that working all the time is not acceptable behavior, we’re creating a new norm” (Harvard Business Review). So, instead of spending downtime watching TV and playing with the tablets, break away from the norm, and take a vacation with the family. Sharing life experiences outside of your normal routine help bring families closer together. It gives children a sense of self confidence, and teaches kids how to be more adaptable. Its not the amount of time you spend with your family that matters, its what you do with them that counts.
Solo Vacation
“Traveling alone will be the scariest, most liberating, life changing experience of your life. Try it at least once!”
Unknown
When was the last time you took yourself on vacation? The type of vacation that doesn’t include children or your partner/ spouse. When was the last time you were able to be completely selfish with your time? If you answered never to any of the questions, then I suggest you book your next solo vacation. In my opinion, this is the best time to rediscover yourself and self reflect. It forces you to listen to your heart and trust your instincts; relying on your gut. There’s no compromises when you travel alone, this is the time to be completely selfish. You’re able to do exactly what you want when you want, and you don’t have to take anyone’s opinion into consideration. As a wife, a mother, an employee, and an entrepreneur, I don’t always have that luxury. So when I do, I like to take full advantage of the moment. That type of freedom is indescribable.
Couples Vacation
“Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.”
Ernest Hemingway
As much as you need a vacation with the family, and yourself, it’s just as important to vacation alone with your partner. That quality time together without the kids can be very enriching to your love life. As mentioned before, life can get stressful and your relationships are typically the first to suffer. When you’re constantly swamped with work, taking care of the kids, and having the responsibility of keeping a home together, your time with your partner may seem rushed or routine. Leaving no room for romance, this can cause you to forget why you two came together in the first place. Everyone deserves a break from their routine and a little spontaneity. That’s why a change in scenery is necessary. It provides a new appreciation for each other and allows you to see each other with new eyes. After all, new adventures helps boost romance, and not to mention works wonders for your sex life!!
Thoughts to Myself Like…
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well what if you’re eating your apples and you’re still stressed out? What’s next? I highly doubt an apple will fix being tired and overworked. Stress kills! Being able to take time away with yourself, with your family, and with your partner/spouse just may be the cure you need. So, instead I’ll say this… “three vacations a year, keeps the stress at bay!”
