Do you remember the last time you
went on vacation? What I mean by that is when was the last time you actually
spent a few days at the beach, the mountains, or at a national park? It is
amazing what a little down time away from "reality" can do for your
mind, body and soul. It seems that when you are truly enjoying the peace and relaxation
away from all the various stresses in life that it gives you a chance to
recuperate and revitalize yourself. The backdrop of swaying palms, white sand
between your toes, fresh ocean air or just a brisk walk through picturesque
mountain trails can lift your spirits.
It is easy to get lost in the moment of nature's paradise.
Do we really have to go back to reality? More than likely, you are no different
than me. You have a job you have to do, a household you have to run, bills to
pay and people and projects for which you are responsible. Life gets hectic.
Take it from me, I know. But I have learned to calm myself by returning to the familiar
sights and sounds of my past vacations. In your mind's eye, you can free your
mind and put yourself in a vacation state of mind. I am not saying you need to
walk completely away from your work or other duties -- but if you take just a
few minutes of your day to bring yourself back to an enjoyable time, it allows
you to regroup and reenergize yourself.
Your mind is a creative hub where you need simply close
your eyes and think about something or somewhere relaxing. Many times, I take
myself back to a walk on the beach. When I let my mind wonder to those times, I
can feel my toes sinking deep into the damp, warm sand. I can feel the heat
beating on my skin, and I can breathe in the scent of the ocean. Suddenly, I am
feeling more at ease, my nerves are calmed, and I can think more clearly and
freely. It is amazing how just a few moments of reconnecting with a pleasant
event can recharge my senses. And that is possible for you, too.
Living in a vacation state of mind does not mean you have
to give up doing your job, maintaining your home, or caring for your family -
it means that you are giving yourself a quick mental break from the hectic
nature of your day. You can do this as often as you need. In fact, you can
visualize your past experiences anytime you want, anywhere you want. The more
you are able to recreate the feelings associated with pleasurable events, the
more you are able to successfully remain focused on what it is you need to
accomplish.
Here is an exercise for you: While sitting at your
keyboard, close your eyes and visualize a time when you felt really good. Maybe
remember a time when you were walking in a botanical garden, a stroll beside a
lakeside, camping in the wilderness or lying on a warm, sunny beach. For just a
moment, think about the sights and sounds surrounding you. Now take a mental
photograph of that scene. Hold onto it and do not let it leave your mind's eye.
Now open your eyes. How do you feel? If you are like me, you feel refreshed,
calmed and ready to take on the day. When you repeat this brief exercise
throughout the day, you find you can accomplish just about anything. Go ahead
and try living in a vacation state of mind. It may just change your entire
perception.
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