Relaxation on Call
I just returned from a mini-vacation. Yes, it was a hassle to prepare to leave, and a hassle to catch up after my return. But during my escape, I became a "new me." The holiday season is a wonderful time to spend with family, but it is also a stressful, busy, work-laden time. I needed this post-holiday getaway to help me prepare mentally, physically and emotionally for the many roles I will assume in the New Year. And for that, I chose a warm, remote place where communication was limited, in search of rest and relaxation.
All women need a change of scenery now and again. Family vacations, holidays, and conferences—even three-day weekends at home—are not necessarily escapes from being "on call."
When my boys were toddlers, our family would drive to Canada each summer to the family cabin, where we spent our vacation days. Each morning, the men would take off in the fishing boat, while the women stayed at the cabin to cook and entertain the children as best we could. For ten days, we were "captives" in the remote Canadian forest—all 10 or 12 of us in a two-room cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or privacy.
After the thousand-mile car ride home, my husband would inquire as to why I was grouchy. I reminded him that it was more work to keep all of us clean, fed, safe and entertained than if we had never left home, and insisted on a "mom vacation" to follow, where I wouldn’t have to cook, clean or entertain.
Through the years, I’ve realized what type of vacation relaxes me enough to restore my perspective on life. Surprise! It is one where I take no responsibility for decisions or clean-up—one in which I am the one being pampered.
For the past seven years, my husband and I take a few days each winter to unwind at a warm, familiar resort. Because we travel to the same destination each year, it takes only minutes to settle into our "vacation mindset." My cell phone does not work there, and I limit myself to checking emails once a day. Then it’s off to the chaise lounge chair, novel in hand, to read, sleep or watch the waves hit the rocks.
A few weeks ago, a fellow female CEO friend and I went on a much anticipated "girlfriend getaway," planning everything in advance so that we could just show up and be served—the only decisions we wanted to make were choices off the menu. Part of the relaxation experience was not having to make decisions for ourselves or anyone else. After all, during the week we make sure our children, spouses, employees and parents all have their needs met.
I’ve told my young adult daughter how important it is to make time for herself. I used to think of this “me time” as extravagant and selfish, but now treasure it as a necessity to recharge for the responsibilities of everyday life. This is a new luxury for most women today.
Here’s to the next generation of women who will schedule their getaways as frequently as possible—to rest, relax and recharge. tpw