How to take an Emotionally Intelligent Vacation

Are you getting ready to pack your bags for your end of summer vacation? If so, this is a perfect opportunity to revamp your mind, body & soul. When on vacation, you can always make some “free” time to work on yourself. Here are a few things you can do while on vacation for self-care and personal growth.

1. Release
It might be tempting to look at your smart phone, check Facebook, answer a couple of work calls or respond to a few emails while on vacation but it’s important to recognize the value of letting these things go (at least for a little while). Life is happening right in front of you and will never get those experiences back. Detaching from your day to day work load is a must when trying to build balance in your career and personal life, especially on vacation. Disconnecting allows you to reset and appreciate the life you have been given. If it is impossible not to work during vacation, set a specific schedule with yourself so you feel in control of how you spend your time.

2. Self-Reflect
Reflect upon what you have accomplished this year. Think about where you are and where you want to be in the future. Re-evaluate if you are taking the right steps in your life for you and your goals. Think about habits that you dropped that might be worth picking up again. Has it been a few months since you’ve been to the gym? Start by going a couple times a week when you get back. Stopped reading before bed? Try a few pages just to get in the hang of things. A simple reflection followed by simple habits can go a long way towards a more fulfilling future.

3. Re-Prioritize
Remember those past goals we were talking about? Maybe it is time to reprioritize. You may not be the same person you were when you set those goals. Circumstances change and you change. If you feel that aspects of your life are more important now than they once were, you should consider putting those at the top of your list. You can do this as you walk down the beach, sit on a lounge chair around the pool or even on the plane fight home. There is no shame in changing things around as long as you keep moving forward.

4. Self-Care
We are often so caught up with our work, kids, activities, etc. that we often disregard our own well-being. Your vacation is the perfect opportunity to incorporate some time for yourself in terms of self-care. Why not have a spa day or a take a jog down the beach every morning? Even a quick meditation can get you to the place you want to be. Self-care can reduce the harmful effects of stress, improve your physical health and even refocus when it’s time to get back to work. Use your vacation to make time for yourself. You deserve it.

5. Explore
Branch out and do things you have never done before. Go beyond the typical tourist destinations and meet locals. Try their favorite restaurants that may not be on Yelp and support their community. Exploring different cultures and having new experiences can help us develop as mindful and more connected people. Every time you change up your routine and go beyond the typical, you open your mind and prime it to develop new ideas and fresh perspective.

As you can see, there are many things you can do for your emotional well-being and personal improvement when travelling the world. Do not forget to take yourself into consideration when planning your next emotionally intelligent vacation.