Unplug and Escape

Recently, within 24 hours of landing in Aruba, I was reminded of the value of a vacation. Life the past month has been about the most hectic of any I can recall in recent history. With each mile that distanced me from home, my mind began to clear away more and more of the muddle so that by the time the plane touched down in Aruba, my thoughts were directed beyond multiple tasks to focusing on relearning the art of relaxation.

I was in a local shop on the beach where I saw a sign that said simply: “Beach Rules: Relax, Enjoy, Relax, Enjoy” I thought, yes, that’s perfect. So as I write this I am incredibly thankful for my three days of beach time. I reminded myself that vacations, even a “mini-vacation” is essential to good mental health and great for renewing relationships with loved ones. Most of us Americans have forgotten how to truly relax. I’m fortunate to have a son who is constantly reminding me to slow down and live.

Princess Cruises recently released their Relaxation Report which found that 99% of Americans agree that relaxation is essential to their overall health and well being. Yet thousands of vacation days are left on the books by these same people. I read a quote on Facebook that summed it up well, “Death is not the greatest loss in life, loss is when life dies inside you while you are alive.” Taking time for yourself away from your work helps keep your heart healthy and soul alive.

So while sitting on the beach on the beautiful white sand beaches of Palm Beach, Aruba, I made my list for rediscovering the art of relaxation. Here you go:

Leave home overnight…Take really deep breaths on the outbound….No clocks…..Lock the electronics in the room safe….Take a long, casual walk…..Strike up a conversation with a local…… Laugh out loud…… Talk about your dreams…..Dance even if you don’t know how….Make love like it’s the first time…….Eat something new…..Make a new friend….Celebrate life….Be grateful

So here’s to each of you in rediscovering the art of relaxation.  

- Tammy