Tag: relax

We are getting ready to take a little family trip. Just 3 of us. Visiting family in NC. Driving. Doing it as inexpensively as possible. Half of me says, yahoo! Relaxation. No work. No home worries. Just time together.

Vacations have been said to provide:

• Better physical health
• Increased productivity
• Closer family relationships
• New perspectives
• Increased mental power
• Less chance of burnout
• Improved mental health

Herb Scribner, Deseret News National

If you’ve met me, you know that just enjoying the positives is impossible. The other half of me doesn’t know how to turn off. That brain is always on.

First of all, I have to work. The joy of delivering webinars is you can be anywhere. That’s a double-edged sword. So I’m delivering webinars.

No home worries? Yeah right. Have you seen the Time Warner Cable commercial with the dude on vacation? I’m kinda like that. 

I’m also sad I won’t have all my kids. They’re getting older, and need to work. So they’re watching the dogs (which reduces cost).

So how am I going to make the most of this vacation? My family deserves the just have fun part. Especially after the stresses of the last year.

Here’s what I’ve come up with:

1. Be prepared. I’m checking the weather. Packing options for clothing. Planning out healthy snacks we can pack ahead. Prepping a cooler. Bringing reading material for those few calm moments. 

The only way I can diminish worry about this is to plan. Ensure we stay in budget. Be prepared for contingencies that may cost more.

2. Let work know. Just because I have webinars to deliver doesn’t mean I have to do a bunch of phone calls and email. I’m taking working PTO. 

Then guarantee I have all the right equipment with me. These webinars have to be spot on or working PTO won’t happen again.

3. Don’t worry about home. The older two boys will be fine. Am I nervous my 16 year old is spending a week with the 21 year old, sure. But who else would I want him being dumb with?

4. Relax. Yes, spending this many days with people sounds a little overwhelming, but I know it’ll be fun. I’ve also learned it’s okay to take a walk and get some alone time. This family will actually understand that.

5. Try new things. My husband said it just the other morning, this is a series of new things. We’ve never had Dylan without Eric. We’ve never gone to NC, or a lot of the places we’ll drive through. It’s an adventure and we need to appreciate each new flavor, scent, joy, passion, and laugh we can.

Hopefully we’ll have a great vacation. Wish me luck!