You Deserve a Holiday

Last updated November, 23 2022

Whether you’ve had a productive and busy year, just managed to keep your head above water or been unfortunate enough to suffer a job loss, career stress or personal difficulties, it’s important you gift yourself a holiday after making your way in these uncertain times. A staycation at home can just as rewarding as heading away.

Leadership training isn’t just about maximising productivity at work - it’s also about learning how to wind down after a busy day or year!

How to de-stress at home (or close to it)

Holidaying at home (staycations) have had a bad reputation for being lazy days glued to your television. While that may appeal to some, that isn’t what a staycation has to be. A beachside rental, a riverside cabin, or even a few days at a local hotel can be an easy retreat from the usual.

Wherever you decide to go this holiday, it’s important to ensure you’re making the most of the change to de-stress as much as possible. After a year filled to the brim with uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to give yourself a break.

The science of stress

We all recognise the immediate effects of stress – an elevated heartbeat, short and shallow breaths, muscle tension, and sweating. Researchers have determined the long-term effects of stress can be even more harmful. Stress triggers responses in our bodies to react to a perceived threat. The brain registers a threat and releases epinephrine (aka adrenaline) and cortisol, engaging our flight or fight response, which in turn make parts of the body (and brain) to work harder. 

The heart is instructed to beat faster so other organs can perform more effectively. Breathing quickens and additional oxygen goes to the brain to increase alertness and the effectiveness of our senses like sight and hearing. Cortisol tells the body to release glucose and fat to generate extra energy. If needed, it will even shut down nonessential functions like digestion, reproduction, and your immune system. 

After the initial burst, the brain continues telling the body to release cortisol if the perceived threat level is still high. This can lead to a compromised immune system, weight gain, and strain on internal organs. In 2020, an additional 15%-20% of adults reported long-term anxiety, which means we will likely see a decrease in overall health in the coming years. Though Leadership Coaching I can help you to manage your stress levels and keep optimal health.

Working from home

It’s important for us to have separate spaces for our work, enjoyment, and relaxation. Our brains have learned to associate certain places with certain activities. If you sit on your couch to work, you may find that you have a difficult time trying to relax later. Alternatively, you may find it is difficult to focus on work because your brain associates the couch with relaxation (and let’s face it, the TV remote is never far).

Adjusting to a hybrid working style comes with it’s challenges as we switch between the office and home life, day to day. And working through illness and managing family life alongside office demands.

Staycations and stress

So, why a staycation? A staycation gives you the freedom to set aside your work and focus on relaxation and de-stressing, in a simple and short demand on time. If time (or cash) doesn’t allow switching off at home, or nearby can be a great option. And, as a bonus, you’re supporting your local economy. Celebrating the good things nearby.

Logistically, the planning of a staycation is easy. You won’t need to worry about jet lag or much travel time, if any, and you’re close to home if you forget your swimsuit or need to periodically feed the cat. 

A staycation needn’t be expensive… explore the markets, the beaches, have a picnic, a hot tub soak or even candles around the bath. Make the most of the beautiful outdoors, nature is our space to feel the healing power of the elements, space and calm.

Making the most of what is nearby can be empowering, inexpensive and no one can argue that a change of scene doesn’t freshen the outlook.

Shaking up our ‘usual’ is so important. Changing our routine, even for a couple of days, a novel experience and engaging with nature, our family and a sense of discovery can revitalise our outlook whilst de-stressing.

Just remember to put aside the phone and engage fully with what you are doing. Pack a good book, jandals and maybe a boardgame and bring along your favourite person.

Take the time for some intentional relaxation and I’m sure you’ll come back feeling better.

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