The Importance of Getting Away

Last week, I decided to take the week off, get out of town, and relax. Since I've started my job, it has been the first time I have taken more than two days off. I needed the break and the change of scenery. Especially since I have nine months left in the PAQ program, and I am moving to a new location. Almost a year ago, on November 21st, I took a day trip for many of the same reasons I took my trip this week.

November 21st, 2020

Almost a year ago, I went to Tybee Island. It was my first solo trip in a while, and I needed the change of scenery. I hunkered down when I moved to Georgia in July, and even before that in Alabama, I hunkered down. Finally, I decided I needed that day trip. In the weeks leading up to the day trip, I felt restless and uninspired. I felt sluggish and mentally drained. My moods fluctuated a lot. Finally, I realized I needed a mental health break. A day to relax and get some fresh air. A day with minimal phone use. A day to get some reading done and enjoy the sound of the waves.

I didn't take long deciding where to go and how much I would be spending. Although I wasn't with anyone, I found that the sounds of kids laughing, the waves, and people talking made me feel less alone. I wasn't thinking about my worries. I wasn't thinking about what was next. I was enjoying the moment. And I think that is why it is vital to get away. I found myself not thinking about the worries that constantly assailed me at home. I wasn't thinking about the criticisms I have received. I wasn't second-guessing my place at work. But I was just there, in the moment, on the beach.

After getting some food, I had about 40 minutes left of parking, and it was starting to get busy. I went to the nearby lighthouse and walked up 178 steps to the observation deck. The view was amazing and worth the climb up the stairs. I didn't take a  lot of pictures. I stayed in the moment. I took the time to watch the seagulls without pulling out my phone. At the end of the trip, I realized how important breaks are.

October 2021

In the last few weeks, I have been experiencing the same feelings from a year ago. I feel unbalanced, unsure of my path, unmotivated, and sluggish. The cloudy and rainy days brought days of feeling unsettled. I won't say I was depressed, but my moods were again fluctuating. Then I came across what I wrote a year ago and realized I hadn't had a break. Long weekends are great, but I notice that I usually don't get too much relaxing done. I needed a real vacation in a different place. So I went to Alabama with my bicycle, books, and clothes. I had no obligations besides hanging with my parents and relaxing.

What I've Learned About Taking Breaks

I have learned that long weekends of staying in the same place that I work daily is not a break. I've also found that long weekends where I travel 2 out of the three days aren't relaxing. On the other hand, coming to Alabama for a week or going on a day trip to Tybee Island with no worries about work is relaxing. I learned I needed a change of scenery.

A change of scenery does two things for me. 1) I allow myself space from worries of work and home. I don't have to think about the issues of today and tomorrow. I can be content in the now. 2) I give myself a chance to slow down. I have a routine that I pretty much stick to during a working week regardless if I have a long weekend or not. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of my daily life allows me space to slow down and think.

Conclusion

Last year, going to Tybee Island cost me around 80 bucks and a drive, but I gained clarity and peace. Sometimes, taking time to appreciate everything God has given me and the beauty of the world He created is all I need to refresh. Sometimes, taking the time to slow down at my parent's place with no worries from work is all I need to recharge. Getting away from the worries at home is essential. I highly suggest people do that. If you are a thinker, workaholic, stressor, or anything, take the time for a quick refresher. Eventually, I want to have weeklong trips like the one to Tybee Island. But until then, I will add day trips or week-long trips to my parent's place to my life on a more regular basis.

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