The 24-Hour Mental Health Vacation

“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.” – Earl Wilson

I know the positive benefits that a night away has on my mental health.  No hubby, no kids, no pets, and a bed all to myself equals a good night’s sleep. Most importantly, the one or two nights of freedom without any responsibility enables me to focus on self care without any interruptions.  I am able to fill my cup and recharge.

Here are 4 vacation suggestions that will help you feel refreshed and restored.

1. The Zen Seeker
2. The Creative
3. The Outdoor Enthusiast
4. The Lover

The Zen Seeker

This 24-hour vacay is the most challenging of the four.  It takes a lot of commitment on your part but will be the most revealing.

• Disconnection
  • Technology break for 24 hours (no TV, Radio, computer or phone)
  • Book a manicure or pedicure – or both!! (yes, guys can do this too, you can thank me later!)
  • Call the local yoga studio and sign up for a free trial – take you first yoga class
  • Go out for dinner and/or brunch with your friends
• Movie Madness
  • Watch 3-4 movies in a row that you have on your wishlist
  • You can do this escape with the hubby or a group of friends
  • Pick a theme is you want – romance, horror, comedy, favorite actor/actress director.
  • Do not answer the front door until the take out guy arrives – this is the only exception…
  • Take note of what you enjoyed about the movie or have a discussion if you are doing the activity with others.
• Ladies of Leisure
  • Get a bunch of you girlfriends together and hunker down at someones house or rent an air B&B for the weekend.
  • Your goal is to do some or all of the following:
    • Stay up late talking, reminiscing and joking around
    • Eat your favorite candy
    • Sleep in
    • Shop til you drop
    • Enjoy great food – Plan a menu or pot luck that everyone can contribute to
    • Connect with your tribe!
• Bookworm
  • Grab a book you’ve been wanting to read – read it without interruption from cover to cover.
  • Find a great place to read – the park, a local garden, poolside or cozied up with your favorite blanket.
  • If you want a connection and ability to discuss the books you are reading, check out online book clubs or set one up with your book loving friends or coworkers!

The Creative

• Dancer, Dance, Dance
  • If you don’t like a late night but still love dancing with the girls, then invite your besties over and get dressed, do hair and makeup and much on some great appetizers with a glass of your favorite cocktail.  If you prefer a mocktail – try this one (LINK)
  • Hit your favorite club and dance until your tootsies hurt
  • Sleep in the next morning and spend the day in your PJs recuperating.
• Beautiful Artiste
  • Visit a local gallery, take time with each painting and absorb the creativity required for each piece of art.
  • On you way home, visit an art supply store and choose an inspiration project to paint, sculpt or draw
  • If you have kids, then include them in the art project and display everyone’s work at the end of the day.
• The Foodie
  • Sign up for a cooking course and learn some new culinary skills.
  • Explore the local outdoor market and treat yourself to a new ingredient, fruit or delicacy.
  • If you prefer to consume more than create, enjoy Breakfast, lunch and dinner in a new city.  Do you research, read some foodie reviews and let your appetite me your guide.

The Adventure Seeker

• Explore your own city
  • Visit your own backyard with fresh eyes – Make a list of places or activities that you have not visited in the city where you live.
  • Attend local events or festivals
  • Visit the museum, aquarium or walk the canal
• Learn something new
  • Whether its a single day course or over a few weeks explore:
    • Skydiving
    • Water Skiing
    • Glass-Blowing
    • Pottery
    • Horseback riding
    • Rock climbing
  • Immerse yourself in the pursuit of your new skills as you made need a change more than some extra rest.
• Into the wilderness
  • Grab a tent, sleeping bag and enough food for 24 hours and find the nearest campground to explore. (if you are not a camper, many locations have cottages or teepees you can rent)
  • If you forget to pack something, no worries, you can do without for 1 day!
  • Hike during the day, float in the lake, cook over the fire and soak up the stars in the nighttime sky.
  • Breathe in the fresh air and nature sounds.

Share your favorite mini vacation spot or getaway idea in the comments below and inspire the Tribe.

Share a pic to Instagram at #violetbuddhatribe

Inhale. Exhale.

Violet Buddha

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