This blog post is a very personal one. It is my vision, my belief. I am actually writing this blog post from the balcony of my hotel room with ocean view, from where I can hear guitar sounds and singing people on the street as waves hit the shores. Being on holiday made me think about holiday…
In western society, most people only have a couple of weeks a year to enjoy a relaxing holiday, during which they are supposed to recharge physically and emotionally. Disappointment strikes as after a week back in business, the holiday feels like an event long gone. You must have heard the following line, if not from your own mouth: “Uff, back at work just a week and I already feel like I can use another holiday.”
Why is that so? Why is the effect of a holiday so minimal for many people? I gave it a thought, and I think I figured it out: Most people switch off!
You go on holiday, try to think as little as possible about… well, anything. You just try to relax, while keeping your brain clear from thoughts, fully focusing on food and drinks, the beach, the pool side and good-looking people that pass by. You switch of your system, and as soon as you get back to work, you switch it back on… To find yourself in the same state as you were before you shut it down.
I spend my holidays doing the same things as most people do – eating, drinking, sunbathing, swimming, exploring new places… But at the same time, I think. I think a lot! I use my holidays to reflect on my life, to find out what I enjoy and what I’d like to change. I literally look at my daily life from a distance to figure out if I’m still at the right track. I keep notes, scribble down rough ideas that pop up in my mind and organize my thoughts. When I get back and engage in day-to-day routine again, I am not just more energetic because I took a physical rest, I also feel happier, more organized and more focused.
This might work for you as well, or not. All I would like to recommend you is to spend some time consciously thinking about the way you spend your holidays so you can find the most effective way to spend those few precious weeks a year. A more effective holiday can literally change your life forever!
Photo by offnowgirl
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The very essence of taking a vacation is to enjoy, and we cannot enjoy if our mind is cluttered with thoughts not relevant to our vacation. I agree with your switching off principle. We must switch of anything except our moments of vacation. :-)
“I am actually writing this blog post from the balcony of my hotel room with ocean view, from where I can hear guitar sounds and singing people on the street as waves hit the shores.”
Woohoo! I love this lifestyle! I wish I could make a living doing just that one day. :)
Brandy
Hi Sietse,
I think more people should spend more time thinking and reflecting on their own lives. I think one of the reasons why so many people are still stuck in the rut is because they don’t think enough. And they don’t plan enough. They’re always saying, “Get a life!” But they never really bother to seriously ponder what does a “Life” mean. A lot of people are, in fact, simply existing, not living.
This is a great post to encourage people to think more. Thanks for the great job!
Cheers~
Mark
Good thinking… about thinking ))
There’s one more reason why a holiday effect is sometimes so short. We tend to treat holidays as an escape – from the routine, from our problems, from complicated relationships, etc. Yes, it helps – as long as you are away. But running away doesn’t solve anything. The thing is, “wherever you run, there you are” – with all your ‘luggage’. And you won’t offload it until you give it a thought and find a solution.
This can be used not only when we are on holiday, but basically during any time when we have nothing special to do. Being on the road, for example… Any ‘in-between’ period, any time of expectation can be used for reflections. Holidays are perfect for that, but a bigger challenge (giving great results) is learning how to master your thoughts in less comfortable conditions. You are in an airport, and your flight is delayed… In such moments we either switch our mind off, turning on an iPod or something instead, or let hectic thoughts and emotions fill our head – irritation, worries to be late, etc… Whereas we can spend this time with much more use. You won’t be on site earlier that the plane lands anyway, so enjoy this gift opportunity to think for a while – and improve your life.
On the other hand, switching off your brain at times might be a good idea. ‘Cause there are other voices inside of you worth being heard. But that’s a different story.