With all that’s been going on, it’s time for a break, wouldn’t you agree? Taking frequent mental vacations can definitely help with stress.
Often, what’s needed is a change of scenery… but it doesn’t need to be an exotic tropical locale. A mental mini-break will allow you to get away from the noise of everyday life.
Before you try any of these suggestions, get away from the electronics. Seriously, step away from your computer. Silence all those dings and pops that want to yank you back to reality by putting your phone in airplane mode.
Here are nine mental vacation ideas:
- Get outside. Listen to the sounds around you. Bonus points if you can take your shoes off and walk barefoot somewhere (grass, the beach, etc.) Feel the sun and wind on your face. Just be present with your senses.
- Imagine you’re somewhere else. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a completely different location. Choose a place that’s going to make you smile. Maybe a secluded beach, mountain stream, or a country meadow. Try to really smell, hear, and see everything and make it as detailed and real as possible.
- Go for a drive and turn on the tunes. These days, people aren’t driving as much, so it’s easier to find roads that are less traveled.
- Dance your heart out. Choose music that makes you feel good, then move!
- Sit still and get quiet. Seek a place to be alone. Pray, meditate, listen, and find peace.
- Write it out. Journaling can help you get to a more positive place by allowing stress and negativity to come out in a constructive way.
- Make some art. Draw, sketch, do coloring pages, or crafts. Shift your focus to something tactile, and closeup!
- Read a book. A real book. Not for work. Not to learn. Just for the fun of it. Maybe in bed or somewhere cozy, luxurious, and peaceful.
- Listen to relaxing sounds. There are apps for your phone as well as audios and videos both free and for purchase filled with the sounds of ocean waves, rain, chirping birds and many other things. Close your eyes and concentrate on breathing deeply.
Choosing one or two of these practices each and every day will go a long way toward reducing stress. Taking some time, just for you, is vital to your mental health.