which often happens on restful getaways—is directly linked to an improvement in mood, and that blood pressure is often decreased when on vacation. Harvard’s Medical School connected the quality of your sleep to your ability to manage stress or likeliness to experience anxiety, depression, or irritability. Short getaways can lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and quickly improve your mood and energy level. Simply stepping away from daily pressures helps the brain exit “fight- or-flight” mode. Physically breaking away from routine activities and environments associated with stress can also help you relax and mentally recalibrate. 2. Reconnecting Families You don’t need to travel far to strengthen your family bonds. There’s just something about getting away together that encourages teamwork, communication, and trust. Separating yourself from the chaotic stress of your regular routine also allows you to better connect with your children. As you make memories and experience new things together, you’re reinforcing that connection. “Vacations give us a time to engage in our relationships in a way that we don’t when we’re working and we’re going through the daily grind,” explains Sarah Pressman, PhD,
of the University of California Irvine. My family often plays games and swaps stories when we’re on trips—and honestly, I think those special moments just being together away from the hustle and bustle of life have drawn us closer than anything else could. We frequently share pictures or laughs recalling memories we’ve made on our trips. 3. Creating New Patterns Sometimes, you’ve just got to shake it up to disrupt unhealthy cycles of stress and overthinking. Whether you’re trying to incorporate new habits into your life (like rest and margin) or you’re trying to stop practices, a 24-hour getaway might just give you the perspective you need and the motivation to implement a change. It may also spark new ideas and creativity. Plus, children can learn flexibility when travel disrupts normal patterns of your day-to-day life. Where Can I Go for a Quick Weekend Vacay? Remember: It doesn’t need to be an elaborate, fancy trip. The goal is to be intentional to create distraction-free time away from work, school, and screens. I’d highly recommend incorporating time in nature into your getaway—if not for the mental health benefits, then for the
adventure possibilities! Weekend camping trips or state park explorations are great, inexpensive getaways. You can also road trip to nearby cities, head to a cozy, secluded cabin in the woods or mountains, or do a “staycation” in a different area of your own town. (And a quick beach retreat is always an option, right?)
Simple Ways to Plan Your Own Reset
• Limit screen time and distractions • Create a family charging station • Make phone-free zones (like the dinner table or game time) • Keep your phone on silent • Don’t bring your work devices • Don’t overschedule your relaxation by planning every moment • Be flexible • Be present • Slow down the pace and make room for downtime • Plan something each of you enjoys • Know what’s going to restore you, whether that’s chilling on a beach, hiking in the mountains, or cozy on a coffee shop couch
reading a book • Prioritize sleep • Spend time outdoors
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