(Re)Treat Yourself to Some Time Away

beach reading
“Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer.” - Unknown

Stress is the #1 factor that contributes to aging faster than normal. And there is a link between reduced stress and more vacation. We have all had enough stress created by external and internal factors over the last two years. What’s the best way to recalibrate? It’s time to take hold of the summer months ahead and (re)treat yourself to some time away. 

This can take many forms: solo vacation, family adventure, group retreat, etc. but all that is important is you providing the time and the space for you to rest, recharge, and reset. I hope you are also planning a holiday over the next few months, because you deserve it.  

Why use the term holiday vs. vacation? I chose the word because it sounds so European and classic to me.  I also took a look at some of the words associated with vacation and here’s what I found:

  • VACATION: 1350-1400, Latin vacation meaning freedom from something.  It is a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday.  Freedom or release from duty, business, or activity.
  • HOLIDAY: originates before 950 from the Old English word “haligdaeg” meaning ‘Holy Day’.  This was a day fixed by law or custom on which ordinary business is suspended in commemoration of some event or in honor of some person.   It has come to mean a period of cessation from work or one of recreation; vacation
  • RECREATION:  1350-1400, Middle English recreacioun meaning restoration, recovery re+creation
  • VACATE:  1635-45, Latin vacates meaning to be empty.  To leave; go away.
  • RETREAT:  1880-85 Middle English retret meaning to draw back.  A place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy.  An asylum, as for the insane. re+treat.

So when you think of your stress level and a way you can decrease it, think of a “re-treat” and treating yourself (again) to some time away.

My wish for you over the next several months is when you are on holiday, enjoy your time in one of your favorite recreational areas and vacate your mind of worries. Unplug from work, and truly find a place of refuge to give yourself an opportunity to rest and relax. 

“A vacation should be just long enough that your boss misses you, and not long enough for him to discover how well he can get along without you.” - Anonymous

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