Time For A Recharge.
Recently I spoke about mid year reflection and taking time to assess progress. The summertime is a great time to do this, and even better if you can find time to give yourself a recharge in a way that works for you.
Some of us feel tremendous stress when we think about taking time away from work. The pileup of tasks upon the return, the family dynamics that can happen with travel, the costs, and the being away from our regular structures and habits can feel daunting. AND some of us just can’t wait to get on that plane and get the heck out of dodge… The point is, it is different for all of us, and like everything else, being intentional about our time away has been shown to increase happiness and inform how we plan our vacations.
So what do you want to do this summer?
Maybe you have kids that have never been to Disneyland and now is the time. Maybe you need a four day long weekend on your own or with some close friends away from the demands of your family. Maybe the relationship with your spouse could use some TLC so getting away for a weekend somewhere easy and local (fewer decisions) is the right thing. Maybe you want a week where you can be 100% focused on your family so staying in town for a staycation is the right choice. And maybe now is not the time to be away from the office. That’s ok too. But planning something for later in the Fall could give you a boost now. Even a little recharge.
Whatever it is, bucket loads of research point to the benefits of taking time to recharge, as long as it is restful!! Over time I’ve learned that I enjoy shorter trips the most as being away from my routines and structures for long periods creates stress. Trips with close friends have been incredibly restorative, as have trips where I’ve tried new things (I just tried surfing and it filled my bucket for like a year!). So take a few minutes to have a think about what would give you a boost. Set a goal and get after it.
This is a phenomenal book. Worth the read. The author Peter Attia also has a podcast called The Drive where you can listen to him. And he’s a Canadian so highly worth your time :).
Taking the time to recharge is not just a luxury—it helps us maintain our well-being, productivity, and overall happiness. This summer offers a perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on what type of break will restore you. Whether it’s an adventure in a new place, a quiet staycation, quality time with family, or a fun escape with friends, the key is to choose what resonates with you.
Remember, what we want from a recharge is to return feeling refreshed and energized, able to see things differently, and even sometimes to have a deeper feel for what it is that we truly want. This then acts as our internal compass – subconsciously and consciously we start to invest our time in the things that point us in the direction we want to go. So, take the time to think through what would really feel good. Make a plan and get to it. Happy recharging!