Finding Reasons to Celebrate Every Day

When you have a career and a family to balance, it can feel overwhelming. “To Do” lists never get finished, new challenges appear as soon as old ones are solved, and the tasks that are essential to everyday life can be numerous and mundane.

Vacations are an important time for relaxation and most Americans only have two weeks of paid vacation a year. We spend a significant portion of our lives working, not on vacation. So how do we retain the feelings of vacation in the middle of a busy week?

1. Spend More Time Outdoors:

   • During the course of a normal day, most of us spend the majority of time indoors. Between your commute, work, and the gym, it can be challenging to spend a good amount of time outside.
   • Find simple ways to spend time outdoors every single time. Try eating a family meal outside, walking to the store to run an errand, or going for a run.
   • Even a few minutes outdoors can have a relaxing effect and help you unwind during a stressful day.

2. Be Intentional with Your Time:

   • If you have a few minutes of downtime, use it to do something that will fuel you emotionally, physically, or socially. Too often, our small pockets of downtime can be monopolized by social media, television, or mindless internet exploration.
   • Identify the things that energize you and make it a priority to explore them when you have free time. Whether it’s reading a book, trying a new hobby, or having genuine conversations with people you love, intentionally using your time will help you find more satisfaction during your day.

3. Schedule Time to Sleep:

   • Oftentimes, sleep is often the first thing to be compromised when we lead busy lives, and it has one of the most significant impacts on our moods! Make getting a full night of sleep a priority in your schedule.
   • Try to go to bed at consistent times every night, and make sure you limit your use of technology before you sleep. Try laying out clothes and packing your lunch for work the night before so that you can enjoy a few more minutes of shut-eye in the morning.

4. Invest in Inexpensive Items that Feel Luxurious:

   • Whether it’s a thermos that keeps your coffee hot well into the workday, or a music subscription service that allows you to listen to your favorite jams throughout the day, allow yourself to make small purchases that will help each day feel enjoyable and special.

5. Find a Vacation Every Day:

   • Even if it’s simply walking outside and feeling the grass between your toes, allowing yourself to have moments when you can mindfully enjoy your present surroundings can help you enjoy vacation feelings every day. By noting the simple things in your life that bring you joy, you can better appreciate the moments in your day that fulfill and sustain you, even during a busy work week.

Do you have an idea for finding a vacation during your workweek? We’d love to hear your ideas.

Leave a comment in the space below!