This past week I allowed myself to do something I haven’t done in the three and a half years since I started my full-time, post college job: I took a full week off work.
For some people, this might sound standard, but for others, the thought of not taking a full week of PTO for three years might sound a bit crazy. And frankly, the more I think about it the crazier it is to me too.
In the past three years I’ve taken a handful of long weekends, visiting friends ranging from New York City and Washington DC to Austin or Palm Springs, but every time I come home from those trips I end up feeling more frazzled then rested. I’ve spent the last three years cramming each long weekend full with as many late night cocktails, early morning brunches and new city sights as I possibly could. And while I’ve squeezed the most out of each hour I have in a new city, I tend to leave each trip a little wrung out rather than relaxed.
So this year when my friend asked if I wanted to spend a full week on the island of Kauai I was hesitant at first, but with my bosses’ encouragement I knew this kind of vacation was long overdue. Saying yes to taking a week of PTO meant saying “no” to possibly three or four other “long weekend” trips I could take throughout the year, but I’m so happy I did.
We woke up late each morning, with messy hair and droopy eyes, as we padded up the cool tile steps with bare feet to find a fresh pot of coffee waiting warm in it’s little carafe.
In the sweet little town of Hanalei, we wandered down single lane streets, dodging pickup trucks stacked high with surfers and surfboards.
We spent lazy sunsets watching whales off the coastal cliffs take nose dives, and play in the surf with their fresh humpback babies.
As we walked across soft sand beaches, we sipped on local Hanalei beers with Mt. Waialeale looming lushly green, and rainy in the background.
I’ve been home, from this lush tropical paradise for less than four days, and I find myself longing for the “Island time” lifestyle- the natural rhythm that we fell into, that asked us only to focus on what was happening at that moment, and to let plans unfurl as they may.
It took me a few years too long to embrace a vacation that actually let me rest and restore, something I don’t intend to repeat. While I transition back into my momentously ordinary daily life, I’m hoping to remember to be a little more present, and hopefully slow down with intention. Below are five ways to bring your own “vacation mindset,” while you’re grinding on that 9-5.
1. Take a Walk
Taking hour long walks around Hanalei Bay, surrounded by vibrant leafy trees and sparkling turquoise waves, was one of my favorite ways to pass the time. While the scenery has changed, I’ve noticed whenever I have time to take a walk, even if it’s just around the block, it helps me slow down and reset for the rest of the day.
In an article by Amy Cummins in Darling Magazine, she explains that “Aside from boosting mood and improving heart health, walking allows our senses to wander and frees the mind to revel in the magic of slow, thoughtful musings on life—which keep us grounded in our purpose and true to our passions.”
2. Journal
Taking time to reflect on all the sweet moments of the day, whether they felt important at the time or not, helps us cultivate a spirit of gratitude which translates into a greater sense of joy. While vacations seem full of those “photo worthy” moments, our daily lives can be tinged with just as many sepia toned memories if we only take the time to notice them.
3. Tea time
Or wine time.
Or whatever your beverage of choice…
But fix yourself a drink, and take a seat. Our house is full of big “tea time” people. Most nights you can hear one of the roommates asking the other “tea time?” as a way to top off the night with a little steamy comfort and soothing tea. For me, it’s almost a nightly reminder to slow down, intentionally fix yourself something you enjoy, and relax.
4. Reading
Why is it that most often we don’t set aside time to enjoy reading until we’re on vacation?
Since I was young my parents were always big supporters of reading. For every A on our report card, we got five dollars towards a new book. While this lost a little of it’s charm in high school, (what 16 year old wants book money instead of just cold hard cash?!) I can appreciate it now as an adult. If you’re anything like me, you have an ongoing list of book recommendations, and frankly there’s no time like the present to start on that list. Even sitting down and reading just part of a chapter for a few minutes, will help you escape reality, and offer a much needed break from screen time.
5. A week of Unplanned Nights
In an article by Madeline Galassi from the Everygirl, she challenges us to “give yourself a week of obligation-free nights” in hopes that it “leaves you feeling your fullest. After work every night, make yourself dinner, watch an episode of your favorite show (or read), and get to bed early.” As an introvert I resonate with this profoundly, but like most people our age, we’re stuck juggling after work happy hours, trying to hit the gym, spending time with friends or family and still trying to get to bed at a reasonable hour. Taking a week off from any of these activities gives yourself the space to care for yourself, so that in turn you can help care for others.
Sweater: Vici (sold out), similar Here and Here
Lace Turtleneck: Free People
Jeans: Madewell