The "Unplugged" Vacation

"Everybody at the speed of light tends to become a nobody." - Marshall McLuhan

 When is a vacation, not a vacation? When you don’t take a break from stress.

Recently one of my favorite blogs had a thought-provoking business book review. But what stunned me was the blogger’s unwitting statement that she had read this business book while on vacation! A previous post was about her kids pointing out to her that she is always either working or thinking about work, and how she wanted to change this.

As if cued by the universe, the next day some friends where talking about their vacations, and several are planning "stay-cations."  One friend spoke eloquently about her plans to be "unplugged" this vacation, that it was the only way to have a real break from everyday stress.

So whether you are having an away-vacation or "stay-cation" here are some ideas on how to make that time the most restorative, renewing and relaxed.

Tips on how to be "unplugged" during vacation:

            Turn off your computer

            Take off your watch

            Turn off your cell phone

            Stop watching the news

            Stop watching TV – nothing but sorry reruns anyway.

     Wow - now exhale.

Do something different:

            Let go of goals, like "this vacation I will:  run 10 miles, complete that project, start my diet, knock a stroke off my golf game, etc, etc. "– you get the idea

            "Play tourist" in your hometown or region. There must be fun and interesting places you have put off enjoying because you "don’t have time."

            Camp out in your own back yard.

            Sing songs around a campfire, kerosene lamp or cluster of pillar candles

            Eat al fresco every night – even if it means taking your kitchen-prepared supper onto the back porch, deck or a blanket on the lawn.

            Enjoy your breakfast al fresco - you don’t have to rush off to work or school.

            See if your local library has a free pass to a museum or historical site.

            Take in the outdoor movies or live entertainment your town is sponsoring this summer.

            Take a culinary vacation and try new foods – a different ethnic restaurant or a new recipe.

Since your TV is off, play some music and dance – alone or with your sweetie.

While you are not doing the news, play music or audio book CD’s in your car.

            Take time to rest and day dream – this is when you reconnect with your deepest self.

            Have fun!