Like I said in my post last week, Thom and I are spending the month at the beach. Our primary excuse is to escape the heat of our desert home. But frankly, what we really needed is an experience away from the habits and routines of daily life. And because this works so well for us, I feel fairly confident that it just might be what we all need now and then to really appreciate the life we have created. Don’t believe me? How about I give you a few reasons why we find it so beneficial and you can then decide for yourself?
- Even if there is work to do, it can still feel like a vacation. Nearly 25 years ago my husband Thom and I first started getting out of town for a month each summer. Truth be told, we did it because we really couldn’t afford to go on a month-long vacation. Instead, we found it was fairly inexpensive to rent a home in the nearby mountains for 30 days. Surprisingly, we discovered that just being in a different home, even though we were still working, felt like a well-needed vacation. Besides, who says there is only one way to define a vacation? As long as the experience provides a much-needed break to a busy or routine life, chances are good it will renew and refresh in exactly the right way.
- It’s healthy to notice new things that spark our curiosity. A couple of weeks ago I shared the work of Prof. Ellen Langer who insists that the best way to stay healthy and alert is to “notice new things.” Because we don’t live here at the beach, just about everything is a new experience. The temperature is dramatically different. The neighbors are new and interesting. Even going to the grocery store is an adventure. Everywhere we look our brains are tweaked by something new and interesting to observe.
- Individual days feel unique and special. Whenever any of us travel it requires us to stay more conscious and aware because we can’t rely on habit to carry us through the day. This is good. When you go somewhere for a month it offers that same uniqueness, which provides the potential to make things special—and special is what gives our lives luster and vibrancy.
- It spices up our exercise routines. Thom and I both like to stay healthy, but after walking day-after-day in my neighborhood with our dog Kloe, it can become routine. Instead, here at the beach we walk barefooted along the water and let the surf lap at our feet. We also ride our bikes to the weekly farmer’s market and explore new neighborhoods at will. Activity like this doesn’t feel like exercise—it just feels like fun. And isn’t that the best way to exercise?
- It gets us away from our “stuff” and reminds us we don’t need as much as we think we do. Because we know we will be gone for a month, we do pack a few essentials. I’m partial to my desktop computer and we also take our laptops. When given a choice, I include my pillow, a couple of bathroom items, and our two bicycles. But besides our dog Kloe and her crate, we mostly make due with what we can find in our rental. The big takeaway is always a clear perspective on how little we really need to make us happy.
- We make the time to enjoy and experience local events as much as possible. Every Saturday a free concert is hosted by the city next to the marina. Sitting on lawn chairs with the cool coastal breeze, sharing a bottle of wine and snacks, watching the boats float by, and listening to good rock and roll feels like the most gratifying thing possible. Instead of taking local events for granted, the novelty of community events feels special and easy to attend.
- The amount of money you spend matters less than the novelty and enjoyment you experience. Like I said earlier, when Thom and I first started renting homes during the summer we did it because it was an inexpensive alternative. At the time, Thom needed to be in the office most days of the week. Yet even the hour-long commute to get to cooler mountain air felt worthwhile. We still worked, but because it was in a temporary location, it felt like a vacation and it cost far less than most shorter vacations.
- It’s good for your relationship. I’m fortunate to have a really good relationship. This fall Thom and I will celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. But although we navigated a few road-bumps along the way, one thing I know for sure is that it keeps getting better and better because we never let ourselves grow complacent with each other. A key to a constantly growing relationship is doing new and different things together, while learning about life and yourself as you go.
- It shows you that you have more choices about your life than you normally realize. This summer is the seventh year spending a month at the beach. But this is only the 2nd year at this particular home. Our first two summer-months at the beach we stayed in townhouse in Carlsbad, CA on a lagoon. The next two we lived in an oceanfront condo just south of Rosarito, Mexico. After that, we decided we wanted a place we could enjoy our bicycles—and we’ve found it here on Silverstrand Beach. But who knows where we might go next? Being open and flexible to finding new places reminds us that we all get to choose where we live, where we vacation, and what is most important to us. Sure, tradeoffs are required, but the vast majority of the time we are only stuck by failure of our imagination.
- It helps you to appreciate your life and what you have waiting back home. Because we travel fairly light when we stay in other homes for a month, there is something special about returning to the life you have back home when the time comes. As you might have guessed, Thom and I do not live extravagantly, yet because we rightsized we have included a number of things that add a richness to our lives. These are particularly appreciated when we leave them for 30+ days a year. In the end, I’m convinced we don’t need more “stuff” to make us happy, we just need the ability to appreciate what we have.
I know some people argue for extenuating circumstances that keep them close to home and can’t imagine taking 30 days off. But as I said above, much of the time we are captured more by our limited imagination than circumstances themselves. Plus, while I believe it is important to fulfill my responsibilities, I also believe like Voltaire that, “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” I believe that breaks and time away are important for a happy life. Besides that, it is always SMART to remember that no person ever said on her deathbed, “I wish I hadn’t taken so many vacations!”
I love this Kathy! My husband and I have an apartment at the Coast and just love to ‘run away’ to it sometime. We intend to retire there in the future. You are so right about the need to change surroundings and take a complete break. Your post reminds me that we need to book another getaway in soon. Have a lovely day!
Hi Sue! YES! I would be so pleased if this post managed to remind you to take a break as often as you can. How wonderful that you have a place at the beach where you can go when you want. Just don’t forget to throw in new experiences while you’re at it–and plenty of nature! I think both of those help us to appreciate what we have and the here and now. I’m hoping you have an awesome day too! ~Kathy
Just found your blog. Great article. My husband still works full time so we take many smaller vacations throughout the year and I totally agree with you that it is necessary.
I’m actually having a hard time since February when I left my job and now I’m home and trying to figure out what I would like to do that resonates inside of me. It has been very difficult. I never realized that being home fulltime would cause anxiety because I have worked my whole life. I find myself trying to fill the days with something to do and its been very hard to just relax and enjoy the present moment.
I started mindfulness meditation which is helping but I’m still struggling. Do you have any entries that speak to what I’m going through? I am looking forward to following you.
Kim
Hi Kim! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living 365 and sharing some of your thoughts. I would hope that quite a few of my posts would be helpful to you while you’re going through a transition. I have nearly 300 of them so I’m sure something in there could offer you direction. Just start scrolling through them all and see if any titles catch your eye. Or search for other “mindful” articles and some will pop up. Good for you for wanting to work through this and find ways to cope. We all hit bumps like this now and then. It’s important to remember you are not alone and that if you keep looking (and following your inner guidance) I’m sure you will find what you most need. ~Kathy
This has not been a good summer for taking a break—two family events of a critical nature have absorbed a lot of time and energy. But like everything in life, things are slowly being resolved, and I am able to remove myself from the center of the storm. I know how good it is for me to take time off, and get my perspective back, so I’m planning a short ‘recess’ this fall. Great article, Kathy, with a lot of good advice!
Hi Diane! Sorry to hear this summer hasn’t been a good one for breaks. But I’m glad to hear things are “resolving” for you and that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. And one of the gifts of retirement is that you can take your “summer break” any time of the year that you want. Just don’t let time get away from you without taking that “pause” that we all need. ~Kathy
All good reasons to go spend some time at the beach. We’ve just arrived for our two weeks on Cape Cod. Spent three hours at the beach this afternoon — it’s great to feel the sand between the toes once again!
Hi Tom! Enjoy your beach time too. Two weeks is good, especially right after moving into a new house. It should feel great just to kick back and forget about all that moving and just enjoy. And YES! to the sand between your toes. ~Kathy
Our five weeks in Oaxaca was everything you listed and more! I think that slow travel allows us to truly break from our routines and really experience a place. My husband and I have often remarked that, when we are at home, it’s easy to talk ourselves out of going to local events (too busy, crowds, traffic, etc.). When we are traveling – especially when we are in one place for a while – we look for, and take advantage of, happenings in the area. We live fairly close to the beach, but we seldom go… maybe we should pretend that we are tourists in our own town and get out more ?
Hey Janis! I can’t wait to hear more about your trip to Oaxaca! We loved it so I’m sure you did–and I’m jealous you were there for a whole 5 weeks. How awesome. And yes, isn’t it funny how we take local events and attractions for granted. I think because we believe we can always do them, they don’t seem as special so we put them off. Far better to get out an enjoy if at all possible. I’m looking forward to visiting with you next time you are in the desert AND hearing more about that trip. ~Kathy
HI, Kathy – I fully agree with your suggestion on the importance of taking the occasional break from our regular habits and routines. I found your tips, and those of your readers, to be very motivating and thought-provoking!
30 days (or more) at the beach is my dream. I have a friend who sets up a camper at a local beach for several weeks in the summer. She drives to work from the beach and goes home at night to campfires, walks on the beach and fun with other campers.
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for adding that there are several ways we can make our dreams realized. It sounds like your friend has come up with a wonderful way to enjoy the beach and still manage her work. There are several ways to make it work for us if we make it a priority. Good luck for figuring out something that works for you. ~Kathy
Another great reading, Kathy. I agree so much with you. When we had the business, it was work, work, work. Now we can take just locals rides and you see all the beauty that is around us. It is so amazing. Being that we can afford to travel as much as we planned, I have found so much joy, taking time in the middle of the day and putting the travel channels, and seeing all the beauty that are worlds from us, but due to modern technology, you can see all the little villages, hidden in the mountains in some secluded mountain range, and see how happy they are, even thought they do not have any really modern items that we take for granted. It make me feel ashamed that I feel deprived in not having items that I feel I really need, but don’t.
Please keep up the writing, and you have put such a turn on the way I think about things since I started reading your post. I hope to head to the library or a local book store, and once we have moved, are in smaller quarters and will have all that time on my hands to read, I will start reading more of your publications knowing that I will totally enjoy every word.
Thank you again,
Kay
Hi Kay! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I think a lot of people devoted a majority of their “early lives” to work and responsibilities, but hopefully, at some point, we all wake up and realize that all that work should be the means, not the end, for a quality life. It certainly sounds like you have and I hope you continue doing things that you love–like reading–and never give up your love of seeing the beauty in the world. I hope your move goes smoothly! ~Kathy
I think what you are doing is terrific. Sure it doesn’t work for everyone and maybe not for a whole month but I so agree a change in scenery and routine is always a lift!
Hi Haralee! Thanks! Like I said in the post we do have some motivation to travel more in the summer than many people. We LOVE where we live 8 months of the year but it was always a strong intention to travel as much as possible during those 4 months when our weather is pretty warm and not so pleasant. We are outdoor people so finding places with pleasant weather is a priority. I agree a month might not be that appealing to others–but I sure hope that people take the time to mix it up and enjoy new things if only for a weekend! Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
Definitely a change in environment for you, Kathy! Hope the beach is cool and beautiful, and the sounds of the ocean waves bring you peace! Like you, I bring my electronics (probably not the desktop, but for that long of a stay and with my smaller monitor, I would consider!), and I must have my pillow!! Speaking of vacations, we hope to catch up with Donna in November in Palm Desert, it would be fun to all try to meet!
Hi Terri! I know you write about “leisure activities” all the time on your own blog so I know you understand why taking a break and trying new things are so important. But yes to our own pillows and computer when we can. And YES to getting together when you visit in November. Donna and I have already chatted about it and it will be fun to get together. ~Kathy
Me too! I’m looking forward to seeing you all in November!
Oh Good! That will be fun!
Your post was a reminder that although we all keep busy schedules, it’s also a good thing to change things up and try different things. I’ve always loved the sense of tranquility one gets at the beach.
Hi Frank! Isn’t it true that most of us get stuck in a busy schedule and often forget why taking a break is so important. Sure, work can be gratifying and fulfilling, but without a pause to reflect and observe the experiences that bring us the most joy in our lives, I think we lose out in the long run. Let’s all remind each other of the benefits, okay? And with that said, are you planning to get away somewhere this summer? ~Kathy
We just got back from two weeks away. It wasn’t the beach, but change is always good and it did include two boats rides on a lake and walks along Lake Michigan. Good time, good post, Beth
Hi Beth! Because I’m a friend of yours on Facebook I saw some of your travel adventures and it looked like you were having a marvelous time. Good for you. My opinion is that any location (the beach included) would lose its luster if I lived there 365. And just like I’ll bet Lake Michigan would be really cold in the winter, the beach is colder (and cloudier) than I would want during much of the year so that wouldn’t work for me. Far better to visit and enjoy places without thinking we have to “live” there right? Thanks for joining the conversation. ~Kathy
I can’t do it because I am still working, but that too will change and this might be a perfect motivator in which to do so.
Hi Antionette! Don’t let work be your excuse for NEVER taking a break. Maybe you aren’t able to do a month but that doesn’t mean that travel or experiencing new things isn’t essential to your wellbeing. IMHO we are never too young or too old to take necessary breaks! ~Kathy
When I mention to my son that I’m going on vacation (I’ve been retired for 4 yrs now), he says, “From what?” From the routine. I concur with you on all your points. And for me, the best part of a vacation is coming home.
Hi Mona! Good for you for recognizing how important it is to mix up our routines once in a while! To me at least, even the most perfect life would grow a bit dull if it stayed the same, day-after-day. And wouldn’t the taste of ice cream grow tired if that is all you ate? Far better to stretch a bit and then luxuriate when we return to what we love. Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
I think it sounds wonderful Kathy – 30 days of beachside bliss! You’ve found a way to make it work and it certainly pushes me to think about how few holidays we’ve had over the last several years and that maybe it’s time to be a bit more serious about taking some time away.
Hi Leanne! I must confess that it is pretty heavenly after a month (June) of temps up in the 120! But I think making the idea of a break a priority in our lives is pretty important. Because it has always been essential in my life to travel as much as possible, we’ve always seemed to make it work even when we financially had little money. Visiting friends or family, camping, and volunteer work are all ways to get out of town if we put it at the top of our “must do” lists. If you can find a way to include it–even little breaks–I can’t help but believe it will add something special to your life. ~Kathy