Our world continues to move faster and faster.
But despite all the modern improvements that were supposed to make our lives easier, we still seem to be getting more stressed, overwhelmed and anxious.
True, technology has made a lot of difficult jobs easier, and has created more time; but what have we done with the time it afforded us?
We added more work to it.
The excuse many of us tell ourselves is that we have to work harder so we can afford a vacation before we can get away from all the work.
We complain of not having the money nor time for a vacation, so we won’t hit pause. And so the cycle continues.
But vacations don’t always have to cost a fortune, nor do they have to take a lot of time.
You can take a mental vacation for free, and be in and out of it in just 15 minutes.
What is a Mental Vacation?
OK, no, it’s not the same as physically going away on vacation for a full break – but if jumping in the car or traveling somewhere just isn’t in the cards right now, give the mental vacation a shot!
Just like a real vacation, a mental vacation is a getaway; with the twist that it happens only inside your head.
At first, it may sound silly and ridiculous, yet in practice, it can be as potent as meditating – in fact, meditation can be considered a form of mental vacation.
Mental vacations are basically an attempt to unplug, relax, enjoy, and rejuvenate oneself before heading back to normal life.
It is not the same as going on breaks only to head over to the drama of social media, or to wallow in one’s thoughts. During mental vacations, everything that is not pleasant is expelled. Only pleasant sights, sounds, thoughts, and feelings are permitted.
The aim of a mental vacation is to experience calm and peace; to place your mind in a state of harmony, and stability.
In all sense, it is as rewarding as an actual vacation, except for the fact that you can’t take pictures.
Looking for a bigger retreat? Read this next: Think a Meditation Retreat Can’t Help You? Think Again!
7 Ways to Take a Mental Vacation Right Now
The first step in taking a mental vacation is actually getting away from everything. After that, give some or all of these a try!
1. Listen to soothing music.
Put your headphones on, and turn on a piece of music that relaxes you.
It could just be the sounds of crashing waves, chirping birds, leaves in a rolling wind, or maybe the sound of gentle rain. A classical song with just the instrumentals skillfully playing in harmony is always a good start!
You could also try any peaceful sound that transports you into a place of mental serenity and tranquility.
2. Cozy up with a book.
Books can be magical. A well-written book has the capacity to teleport you into another realm, then keep you there.
Exceptional books can change your outlook on everyday life, inspiring you to dream, to spark hope, and give you perspective. Plus, we’re usually relaxing our bodies when we do it, which can really promote the feeling of escaping from a busy day.
If you already enjoy reading, then try reading in a dedicated quiet place, and in a relaxed position (maybe on your bed) more often.
3. Go for a walk.
You could decide to take a stroll through nature – a waterfront, a garden, the woods, etc. This will help you relieve stress, and get out of your head. It has the added advantage of getting you some sunlight and exercise in the process.
Forest Bathing: How to Relieve Stress in Nurturing Nature→
4. Look at something beautiful – artwork, pictures, nature.
Find a bench in a quiet park, drive through the country for some natural scenery, or go through old pictures that conjure up delightful memories. All of these can help you escape the hustle and bustle of the present.
You could also consider going to an art gallery to immerse yourself in the world of art, or visit a library to pore through art books or even murals they may have on the walls.
5. Drift away with visualization.
Find a quiet spot, close your eyes and think of a pleasant moment.
Something that makes you happy, grateful, or fills you with awe. This could be a memory or even a fantasy – something you picture in your future that brings you a sense of calm and appreciation. The idea is to try to get caught up in the moment. When your tension reduces, the pressure dissipates.
6. Give meditation a try.
If you have a lot running through your mind, consider going into meditation.
The aim isn’t to forget those things but to simply observe them, and let them fade away. It is a way to free you from the influence of those thoughts by becoming unaffected by them.
It takes a while to master meditation, but constant practice can help you maintain your peace in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
Try our 10 minute Guided Meditation and see how you like it!
7. Catch some sleep.
This is perhaps the most luxurious form of escape.
Even those on “actual vacations” still need to get a healthy dose of sleep. So, if you find yourself stressed out during the day, you can go for a quick nap, in order to rebuff your mind and body.
Bonus: Anxiety Canada offers a walkthrough of a mental vacation for free on their site!
Take a Break!
Going on mental vacations every now and then can save you from the negative long-term consequences of stress.
Thankfully, you don’t have to be on an island resort in order to enjoy the benefits of disconnecting from work and reconnecting with your inner self.
Are you ready to give it a try? Let us know if it helped you in the comments below!
Photo by The Lazy Artist Gallery
