Inspiration for a joyful and creative life

What could be better?  Something that is fun AND good for you.

This is especially true if you travel and get out of your usual environment.  But if you aren’t able to take the time or afford to get away, think about how you can apply some of these ideas to being a tourist in your own city or taking a long weekend close to home.

Here are some of the ways that taking a vacation and getting out of your regular routine can be a benefit to your health.

Overall Health Benefits

According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, it shows those who engage in leisure activities and out of town vacations experience less depression, lower blood pressure, and lower levels of cortisol, which is a stress hormone.

Reduces Stress

The 1^st couple of days of a vacation help to reduce stress.  On about the 3^rd or 4^th day, your mind and body start to replenish.

It takes a little time to just unwind.  It’s important to get away from the usual routines, chores, and sometimes anxiety that accompany a busy schedule.

Gives you Time to Day Dream

Getting away can allow your mind to explore and dream.  It gives you space to be in that all important relaxed state of mind.

Boosts Creativity

When you are in a different environment, you see things differently.  You notice things you wouldn’t in your usual routines and places you take for granted.

Seeing new things stimulates creativity and gives you a new perspective.

Can Increase Exercise

Of course, this depends on the type of vacation you choose.  But, often, you’ll do more walking than you usually do.

Or you may find ways to add activities to your get away like renting a bike or skiing.

Challenge Yourself Mentally

I know it’s always a challenge for me to figure out where we are going and how to get there.  You have to figure out how to navigate your way and sometimes how to do things.

Adds a little Merriment

You’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine.  And often traveling and going on vacation can bring some fun and laughter to your day.

So, now that you know it’s good for you, where do you want to go?

One of my favorite ways to start the day is to read something inspiring as I sip my morning coffee.

The other morning I was reading Barbara Winter’s newsletter, Winning Ways and came across this little nugget to share with you.

She mentioned an article in the New York Times by Frank Hyman titled “I’m Making A Living From My Hobbies”.

Frank shares how he has taken several of his interests and things he loves to do and makes his living.

I think one of his great points is that rather than doing just one thing and perhaps struggling to earn enough income from it, he chooses to tap into several of his skills and talents to earn his living.

He also allows himself to try different things, and to find out what works for him.

The other benefit of his multiple streams of income is variety to keep things interesting.

There is also the benefit of not putting all your eggs in one basket.  Especially when circumstances around you change, you can adapt more easily.

I know for myself that no matter how much I like doing something, whether it is making jewelry, writing, painting, photography, sewing, or cooking, I enjoy variety.

I think mixing up your week or your day with different things also helps you to be more creative and to use both sides of your brain.

However, It doesn’t mean doing ten things at once. One of the hardest things for me is to limit the number of projects I take on at one time so that I have the satisfaction of completing them.

Frank Hyman’s article gives you permission to realize things don’t always have to be done conventionally to work.

What sounds like fun to you?  How could you play with the possibilities?

When I was about 8 years old, I remember playing Queen for the Day.

I put a soft, cranberry red tapestry over the chair and stacked pillows on the seat.  I poured myself a glass of ice cold milk, using my favorite glass.  I set myself up to draw or write at my desk.

I remember the satisfaction of this ritual and preparing a special time and place to create something.

I was treating myself like royalty and it felt good.  I felt special.

Power of Pampering

It is amazing how the power of a little pampering can send signals to your brain that you are worthwhile, loved, and you deserve good things

Treating yourself well gives you more confidence, which in turn allows your best self and your creativity to come forward.

Just taking a few minutes every day to consciously do something nice for yourself can have great rewards.  It can help you to start making a habit of nurturing yourself.

What could you do?

I know I’m always talking about the difference little things can make but it’s true!

Is there something you could do that would make you feel good?  Is there something you are saving for guests or a special occasion that you would enjoy using now?

That reminds me of a funny episode I saw of Everybody Loves Raymond.   Ray’s father, Frank  asked his wife, Marie, why they couldn’t use the towels with the gold fringe.  She said they were special and  she was saving them for guests.  He shook his head and replied that they hadn’t used them in 25 years!

Put on your Fuzzy slippers

Pour yourself a cup of hot tea, fluff up the pillows behind you, put on your fuzzy slippers and think about what little touches will make you feel special and cared for like a Queen or King for the Day?

And then do something again tomorrow and the next day…..and the next.