| So, you're heading out to the family cabin/cottage | | | | spend some time alone. This is something we |
| and you're on a mission to relax. First off, pat | | | | rarely do, as there tend to be so many |
| yourself on the back for taking some time to | | | | interruptions and demands around us on a daily |
| take care of you! And next, before you set off | | | | basis. A simple walk in the woods, or along the |
| into the wild blue yonder, think about these | | | | beach, alone, can be like a gentle mediation and |
| approaches that'll help you truly gain that outdoor, | | | | really help you get into the groove of your |
| away from the hustle and bustle relaxation that | | | | holiday. |
| you so deserve. Because the fact is, although we | | | | Hopefully this time alone will help to clear your |
| all have the greatest intentions to kick back and | | | | mind so you can focus on the here and how. It's |
| relax on our holidays, it is not always and | | | | very important during your relaxation time to let |
| automatic occurrence. A little technique can go a | | | | go of your work life and to be with your family |
| long way in learning the discipline of relaxation. | | | | and friends. If you're finding this difficult, which |
| Here's a suggestion. Even if there's access to an | | | | many people do, there are some techniques to |
| internet connection, seriously ask yourself | | | | help you. First off, you might verbalize some of |
| whether or not you truly NEED to check your | | | | your anxiety. Talk to someone there at the cabin |
| e-mail and play around on the internet while you're | | | | and express your wish to just let it go. |
| away. Our reliance on this technology can easily | | | | Sometimes all we need to let something go, is to |
| become a bit of an addiction, and can quickly eat | | | | name it, say it out loud and to have a witness |
| up valuable relaxation time. Consider leaving the | | | | there to hear you and empathize. Don't feel that |
| computer and your need to "stay connected" at | | | | you're weak if you need to do this. It's stronger |
| home. Think about connecting with yourself, with | | | | to be honest, than to bottle it all up and not truly |
| whomever else you're meeting at the cabin, and | | | | be present because of the mental stress it's |
| with nature. It may take some time to un-wind | | | | causing you. |
| from all the social pressures you've put on | | | | Another option to help clear your mind is to do |
| yourself, but having a disciplined break from all this | | | | some mediation or yoga while on your vacation. If |
| stuff is very healing and will have a positive effect | | | | you're new to these disciplines, consider bringing |
| on you when return to "the real world". ( or heck, | | | | few beginner books out to the cabin. With the |
| maybe you'll decide to stay out in the boonies for | | | | down time you have, this might be a great time |
| a little longer!) | | | | to start some basic training. You could also |
| As an alternative, if you're the type of person | | | | consider taking some classes at home before |
| who needs and enjoys filtering information, try | | | | your vacation, to get you acquainted with a |
| taking a journal with you or some nice writing | | | | particular approach or routine. |
| paper. Write down your thoughts and feelings, or | | | | Most people feel the need to bring their cell phone. |
| work on a written correspondence to a friend. | | | | If you do, try to discipline yourself to use it only |
| This way, you're still expressing yourself, but have | | | | for emergency out-calls. Keep it turned off during |
| at least removed the computer and the buzz of | | | | the day, and set aside a short period of time to |
| technology. Think of the romanticism of a cabin in | | | | check messages and return calls only if necessary. |
| the woods, and some pen and paper.... it evokes a | | | | If it is not an emergency, remember you're on |
| much more organic picture, than that of a | | | | vacation and are not required to return calls! |
| computer in the woods.... | | | | Another great way to relax if you're someone |
| Again, as with the computers, other portable | | | | who craves some stimulation outside of |
| communication devices like blackberries, etc, | | | | meditation, walks and just generally taking in the |
| should seriously be questioned in terms of | | | | nature around you, is to play games. Board |
| whether or not you NEED them for a week or so | | | | games, sport activities. fishing and boating |
| of your free time. Also, consider the experience | | | | excursions- these are great ways to involve |
| of others around you in your decision. I doubt | | | | everybody, and to release tension through |
| that many of us expect, or want such technology | | | | activity. Another fun thing to do, is to bring some |
| buzzing around us when we head out for a | | | | materials for arts and crafts. Create a painting, or |
| get-way to the cabin. Your family might consider | | | | something artistic to decorate your cabin with. |
| establishing a collective rule around such devices- | | | | However you approach your vacation time at the |
| so that everyone is on board and supportive of | | | | cabin, learning to truly relax while you're there will |
| an environment of relaxation. | | | | make for a rewarding, and fulfilling experience. |
| On your vacation make a determined effort to | | | | |
