Remember the childlike excitement you felt when spring break was around the corner? The possibilities were endless: games, vacations, outdoor adventures – you name it. As an adult, the thought of spring break doesn’t quite evoke the same feeling. Maybe it’s even a memory long lost in your youth. While it may need to take on a new form with age, it’s time to reclaim spring break! You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy it, but you can act like one anyway. Give yourself the freedom and permission to take a break.
All winter long we are hunkered inside, cozying up, and waiting for springtime to wake us all up again. But with all this much needed Netflix and chilled days can come too much screen time and long hours in the office. Inspiration is never harder to muster than when you walk into work when it’s dark and walk out when it’s dark. It isn’t very conducive of getting away from your desk to enjoy the fresh air when it’s frigid out.
But now that spring has arrived, take it as a time to stretch it out, take up room, get outside and walk away from your inbox. The concept of spring cleaning can be applied to energy and habits as well. Shake off any stagnant winter energy to create space for more expansive summer vibes. You will be more focused at work, have a fresh perspective towards tasks and a more positive approach to relationships.
In an New York Times opinion piece titled The ‘Busy’ Trap, author Tim Krieder describes the benefits of taking a break as: “Idleness is not just a vacation, an indulgence or a vice; it is as indispensable to the brain as vitamin D is to the body, and deprived of it we suffer a mental affliction as disfiguring as rickets.” In the article he goes on to explain the common response to “How are you?” as “busy!” “So busy, but it’s good to be busy!” I think we have all been guilty of this auto-response, but the real question is, is it good to be busy?
One leader in our media consumption, would undeniably say no. Arianna Huffington, the media mogul and co-founder of Huffington Post, left her post as editor-in-chief to launch Thrive Global, a new media platform designed with one goal in mind– “ending the collective delusion that burnout is a necessary price for success.”
Huffington has since launched an international call to attention the gross lack of relaxation, the glorification of busy, and lost lost hours of sleep facing most people in today’s society. Her greatest battle cry? Getting those Zs! Give yourself a break, but more importantly give yourself permission to rest. If you do, you will be fully aware, present and productive, which she promises, will not only make you be happier, but more successful.
Convinced (or almost convinced) you need to take a break this spring? Here are quick tips to spring into action:
If there’s a fun getaway, go for it. If it’s going to cause unnecessary stress, skip it. That sounds easy because it is. Giving yourself a break includes setting boundaries and staying within your personal capacity. Do what you want and say no to everything else. There is one rule: choose to be carefree! If only for a few days, make an effort to release the worries, obligations, and guilt. Appreciate this time of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Go outside, make time for your hobbies, walk around barefoot, dance your heart out. Imagine you are experiencing things for the first time with an excited curiosity. Even better, try something new! What better time to begin an activity than with the feeling of a fresh season. Discover what fills you up with joy and take note of the benefits, whether it’s a different perspective or spark of creativity. Allow yourself to be fully immersed in the process
Sleep in. Take some lazy beach days. Binge watch your favorite show. Go for long walks. Whatever it is, make sure to stay responsibility free. This spring, you have permission to get some much needed R&R.
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