The importance of having a break

” Learn to relax. Your body is precious, as it houses your mind and spirit. Inner peace begins with a relaxed body.” 

Norman Vincent Peale

This week I have taken a week off work and my life at home, running away for a much-needed break for both of us.  It took a little work to pencil out the time and organise but the results are so worth it. 

This is the first time that I have turned off my work since March 2019 (excluding health emergencies) and it feels great to unwind and relax.  I had bought the holiday auction some time ago (extended due to travel restrictions) with the aim of having a holiday with our elder son and his family, closer to their home.  We booked the date last month and were pleasantly surprised that this worked for us all!

We hitched up the caravan and drove 6 hours to Corowa and met some of the family for an extended weekend.  It was great to be able to spend some family time with the kids and grandkids.  We were able to share meals together, watch them ride the new scooters and celebrate a birthday.  They all headed back to home, school and work after their mini break away from their usual activities.  The holiday cabin was ideal for their family, and they enjoyed the facilities at the park.

My mind and body have managed to turn off the busyness of life and slow down. The Park is situated close to the river and has plenty of bird life and a lovely bush setting (with great facilities).  I think that this has assisted me in being able to rest, my sleep patterns have improved, and I have even had a couple of sleep-ins, which rarely happens in my world.  I have also felt the need to have a couple of micro naps in the afternoon and surprisingly, this hasn’t impacted negatively on my sleep.

With the extra time, I have been doing a little more exercise than usual (lets call it incidental exercise) with the incentive of attending a venue or shopping centre.  Another treat with a focus on attending to the grandie’s needs (or wants).  Shopped for a graduation dress for the eldest and was pleasantly surprised that three generations were all in favour.

We are spending the next two days sight seeing and exploring some of the tourist attractions (winery’s), with the view of taking it easy and not planning too much.  Taking it slow and easy is a lovely pace for us both.

I hadn’t realised how much my body and the mind needed this mini break.  Day 5 into the program and it feels wonderful to not have to rush and working to a schedule.  The past few years have been difficult for us all and led me to thinking and wondering when you switched off last?  Is your mind and body screaming out for a change of pace?  A chance to rewind and recharge the batteries may be the medicine right now.  It has certainly worked for me.