When I originally wrote this article (below), my personal work situation was very different and the word “pandemic” was not one of the top 10 words in my vocabulary (ok, top 3). But, I’ve just returned from this same Maine vacation, after missing a year of it due to the aforementioned pandemic, and realize that it all still holds true. Regardless of your situation – whether you are working full time or part time, looking for an opportunity, home or remote schooling your children, working fully in person, fully remote or hybrid, or whatever situation you currently find yourself in – you’ve been on a challenging road and you need a break.
From August 2017 . . .
I’ve just returned from vacation – an annual family week on the coast of Maine. We’ve all heard that too many of us don’t use our vacation time. I’ve never been guilty of that, but I have certainly been guilty of working too much during some of my vacations.
It’s well documented and supported that vacation improves your health and well-being, boosts morale and alleviates burnout. My most therapeutic vacation is always our week in Maine. Sure, I’ve made it more stressful than it needed to be. I’ve chased the perfect sunset, had unrealistic reading goals, overdone it on a hike or two, eaten too much blueberry or raspberry pie, and tried to pack just a little too much into the week. But mostly, it’s a week of family, traditions and memories (and making new ones). It’s a week to watch tides roll in and out, to listen to the waves crash, to watch eagles soar, to marvel over the beautiful scenery and wonders of nature. It’s a week of trying to tap into my creative side (sadly, I’ve learned that I’m not a poet, novelist or painter, but adult coloring has renewed my faith in my abilities). Some years, it’s a week to make big decisions (I’ve read What Color is Your Parachute out on the rocks more than once). Every year, it’s my opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate, to reflect, to ponder, to have deep thoughts (or at least try to), and to return with a new perspective.
This year, I read Charlotte’s Web with my niece and nephew. While I remembered the story, I certainly had forgotten the details – and the lessons. Wilbur just might have been the first to teach me the importance of reflection and taking time for yourself.
“From eight to nine, Wilbur planned to take a nap outdoors in the sun. From nine to eleven he planned to dig a hole, or trench, and possibly find something good to eat buried in the dirt. From eleven to twelve he planned to stand still and watch flies on the boards, watch bees in the clover, and watch swallows in the air . . . From three to four, he planned to stand perfectly still and think of what it was like to be alive, and to wait for Fern.” – E.B. White
And we would all do well to take Charlotte’s advice, whether on vacation or not.
“Never hurry and never worry!” – E.B. White
Vacations are necessary for our physical and mental health. If it’s been a while since your last break – plan a vacation – whether it’s a far-away destination, a car ride away or a “staycation”. Take a break, hit the reset button, change your routine, clean out the cobwebs (not Charlotte’s please). You may have a mountain of work waiting for you, but you’ll return healthier, happier, with more focus and a renewed perspective – and the mountain might just seem more like a hill.
Submitted by Deborah McCormick