It's Friday
afternoon, you've faced another long week at work. You love your job and your
family but the kids are driving you up the wall and it's hubby's night out with
the guys. So you order pizza, throw a movie in the DVD player and numb out to Beauty and the Beast. Not the most relaxing way to de-stress.
It's
Friday afternoon, you've faced another long week at work. You love your job and
your family but the kids are driving you up the wall and it's hubby's night out
with the guys. So you order pizza, throw a movie in the DVD player and numb out
to Beauty
and the Beast. Not the most relaxing way
to de-stress.
Ahhh, the curse of the working woman.
When was the last time you took some time for yourself? I'm not talking going
on weekend camping trips with the family or even a romantic night out with your spouse. Married, single mother, or no kids, when was the last time you took some real
time away from your daily demands? I'm not even talking about shopping for
shoes with your best friend. I'm talking taking a ‘SOLIDAY’ - a solitude-style vacation!
Now before you think, "Oh, oh. She means go to some retreat, do yoga, and
chant," hear me out.This
is not an “Eat, Love, Pray” holiday! All
I'm saying is it's good to get away on your own for a change, even if
it's for half a day, a full day,
overnight, or a week. Just make some time and do it! It is so restorative and so needed in today's
modern,fast-paced times because as women, we are like the
air-traffic controller around whom everyone in our lives revolves. We give, give, give, and we simply need space every so often to just
"be".
Okay, so I'm preaching to the choir, but seriously, we all need a break now and
then. No matter the state of your pocketbook, there is something you can do to get some quality
time for you. Sometimes is necessary to shut the world off and focus on
yourself.
Here are some fun and different ideas for taking yourself on Soliday:
1. Be a tourist in your own town:
Ever thought of staying overnight in a local hotel and letting yourself be
pampered with fine dining, in-room movies and breakfast in bed? Think of all
the places you've always wanted to see in your city but never had the time to check them out. Take a
few days off (even if you stay home at night) and explore the attractions!
2. Take a hike. Love the outdoors? Why not pack a lunch and take
off for the hills? Imagine being in the fresh air and walking in the woods. And
if the forest isn't your thing, head out to the water (if you're close to some)
and walk round the lake or take a stroll by the sea. Treat yourself to a day's
sailwith a local charter. Have lunch on deck! The
beauty and calmness of nature can be so soothing to the spirit and really help
you unwind.
3. Escape to a cottage. Here's a
great idea if you have a few extra dollars to splurge on your Soliday. Rent a furnished cottage or
cabin, lay in supplies and just hang out. Stay up all night, sleep in as long
as you want, take a walk or just sit and read. Luxuriate in all that peace
and quiet.
4. Go for a drive. Always wanted to check out that new farmer's
market or the cute little seaside town 50 miles away? Turn your favorite music
on and go! You don't even have to have a destination in mind, just stop when
something catches your interest. Check out the shops,take in a play or ride the Ferris
wheel.
Do something out-of-the-ordinary, even if it's
just stopping to pick some wildflowers by the road. The mental and emotional
space will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!
You may have noticed me saying in some of my recent articles, the more life
speeds up, the more we need to slow down. Our lives, even when they’re fulfilling, can sometimes be chaotic
and most of the time, demanding, so it pays to give ourselves the gift of a Soliday in whatever form feels right to us. By
honoring ourselves, we will be in a better position to serve those we love and have the energy
to keep controlling all that traffic coming at us!
Influence
and persuasion expert, Karen Keller, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and
Master Certified Coach with over 25 years of experience. She focuses on women's
leadership and empowerment as well as executive, personal, relationship and
life coaching. She is also a successful entrepreneur and author. Her other
areas of specialization include mentoring, sales techniques, success skills,
intuition, body language, management development training, motivational
speaking, and corporate training. Discover Influence It! Real POWER for Women
now! For your free subscription visit http://www.karen-keller.com.
