As I sit here writing this, I am in a shuttle going from Zimbabwe to Botswana. Before this, we flew 10 hours from Europe to South Africa, from South Africa to Zimbabwe. Our last stop is Botswana before flying back to our ‘real lives’ in the States.
Is it hard to get away? YES! Is it expensive to get away? YES! Is it time consuming and stressful to travel? SOMETIMES! Is it necessary to get away? YES! Is vacationing only for the retired? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
When we started planning this African adventure, it was easy for me to jump in with both feet! Our world is so vast, our cultures so numerous, and the adventures are endless. I was excited, full of wonder, and ready to go!
As we got closer to the trip, my to-do list continued to grow and I felt overwhelmed.
Because of the new hires for the Vikings, the players were able to start many weeks early, meaning I was missing the early beginning of the training season. My busiest season! How was I to know that two years ago when we started planning out trip? With the completely new regime, my role with the Vikings was in question. Of course I was hoping to retain my job for a seventh year, but as my trip inched closer and I still didn’t have confirmation that I would be returning; my anxiety grew. I had every reason to believe I would be returning, but I needed it “in writing” to feel secure.
A week before our trip I finally got confirmation that I would be continuing as the Sports Acupuncturist for the Minnesota Vikings. Yay! But again, I knew I’d be missing precious weeks of work with the players during my travels to Europe and Africa. I also knew that I would be missing work with my JADA patients, and that was causing many emotions as well. For 3 weeks I would be gone. I had not taken this much time off - ever.
There was tension in my body and mind until I settled in the plane. I was ready for my 10-hour flight to Paris. Once my seat belt was buckled, I felt the stress, anxiety, doubt, and worry evaporate.
I had done everything I could do to prepare for this massive trip. I had completed a ton of work and I had brought necessary work with me. I hadn’t forgotten anything, and I was about to go have the trip of my life. I let my anxiety and worry turn into excitement and peace. Now my biggest concern was trying to get some sleep to dull the jet lag then somehow figure out how to connect with my mom and sister-in-law in the Paris airport.
I had three weeks and I intended to enjoy every single second. My goal was to remain present, grateful, and happy the entire time… and I did just that!
I am a Type One Virgo. Meaning organization, planning, checklists, and execution are some of my superpowers. I can accomplish more in a day than most people in a week. I love my checklists and find comfort in the organization of them and their ability to help me stay on track. But I knew this adventure was not about checklists, tasks, or work. It was about personal growth and exploration, it was about exploring the world and spending precious time with my family. I stuck to my plan of compartmentalizing my work time, ensuring that it wouldn’t bleed over into my vacation and rob me of my ability to stay present.
This break from my routine was massive for me. I honestly can’t think of the last time I was so committed to compartmentalizing my work, guaranteeing that living was my focus, not work. For someone so driven to execute, check things off my list, and work, this was pivotal. Not only was I effective when I did work, but I was excited to work because I knew that I had a specific amount of time to get the task done, and then it was back to reveling in Africa!
Now the trick will be implementing what I learned into my “regular” life back in the US. My challenge will be providing space to be present and unplug, even when the temptation to keep my nose to the grindstone eclipses it.
I am a person that believes you should practice what you preach. In theory I understood the importance of taking a break, but I hadn’t truly implemented it until this trip. Lack of cell service and our safari schedule certainly helped me by not allowing me to sneak onto my email or texts. I experienced the power of being present and living and I believe that I can attain it again. I have always told my patients to take a break, go on vacation, leave their computer at work, turn off their phone… but I didn’t follow my own advice…until now. I am still task oriented, focused, determined, and work diven, but I know the importance of balance. I am willing to put the “work” in to improve myself, my life, my relationships, and in turn my work.
Here are some ways I will be implementing breaks into my lifestyle. I hope they are helpful to you as well.
Once a Day:
Go for a walk
Spend some time alone
Enjoy a meal with no distractions
Once a Week:
Call a friend
Have one day that is work-free
Dedicate one morning/evening to self care
Once a Month:
Reflect on the month prior and set intentions to the upcoming month
Spend one day without your phone
Go on an adventure, get out of the home and office
Once a Year:
Plan a vacation
Declutter and let go it unnecessary belongings
Try a new hobby
Looking for more information on work-life balance and productivity? Check out JADA Studios Boundless Performance Coaching!