Have you ever thought about micro-vacations?
June 6, 2018
By Brian Maynor
Summer is here, and that coincides with vacations, but instead of planning and stressing about a major, week-long affair maybe it’s time to give micro-vacations a try.
Don’t get me wrong. Going on a major week-long vacation is wonderful and relaxing, but it can be quite stressful for professionals both working up to the week out of the office and returning after being gone. This amount of stress can often make the benefits of the vacation seem pointless.
Luckily vacations don’t have to major events in order to be beneficial.
Micro-vacations require a day or less of time away from work, but you take them frequently, say every other week. Because they are so short, it’s easier to find time to take them and there is very little recovery time needed afterwards. It’s the perfect way for over-committed, workaholics to get away.
So why wait? Here are three micro-vacations you can plan today:
1. Weekend excursions. This is something my husband and I have started enjoying, because he’s an over-committed workaholic, and it’s been working out great. We get out of town for a day or two and really have time to enjoy time together. Being in the center of the state is also a bonus, because we have been able to enjoy the mountains and the beach and little towns in between we would never have visited otherwise.
2. Socialize. It’s hard to find time to stay connected with friends, especially if you only have a night or two a week to devote to it. Instead of trying to rotate through your friends on the weekends or worse, lose touch with them for months; take a micro-vacation and meet them for lunch and an afternoon of fun. It doesn’t matter if it’s an afternoon of shopping, golf, a spa day or anything else; the important thing is spending time with friends. This is also a great idea for working parents who seem to never get time alone.
3. A personal day. This is the typical stay-cataion scenario, where we take a day or afternoon to handle all of the little projects and appointments that we never seem to get around to completing. While it may not be a relaxing time, there is a sense of relief and happiness that comes with accomplishing a task, especially one that’s been put off for a while.
4. Work remotely. I know this isn’t technically a vacation, but sometimes not going into the office feels like one, even if you’re still focused on work. This is a great way to escape the commute, over-chatty coworkers and office ‘noise’ for a day instead of going in early or staying late. Imagine how much work you could get done with an uninterrupted day.
Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing, but that don’t have to last a week. If the idea of taking a week off sends you into a panic, take just an afternoon or a day every other week. Micro-vacations have all of the benefits of a long vacation without any of the stress.
I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
