How To Live on Vacation All the Time
In NYC Public Schools, we have a week off each February. This year the break fell February 19 - 23rd, Monday through Friday, I was blessed to take myself to Puerto Rico during the Midwinter Recess. Spending time away is restorative and allows space and time to reflect. However, I want to make sure that I am not waiting for break and vacation to engage in small acts of self-care. I was having feelings about returning to work after a break so I wrote about incorporating the best parts of vacation into daily life.
Here’s how I make small choices to “live on vacation all the time:”
Everything smells good on vacation. Try using aromatherapy and good smells in your space: use perfume, calming scents, lotions, soaps, oil burners, humidifiers, etc.
I love the sound of the ocean and coqui frogs in Puerto Rico. Try incorporating calming sounds: ambient music, lo-fi hip hop instrumentals, and sound bath music 🌊🐸
A little peace and quiet. Decrease noise levels - think furniture bottoms, squeaky doors. Small tweaks can make a big difference 🤫
Access natural sunlight when possible - fluorescent lighting can be triggering. Find ways to get some natural sun by turning off the lights or prioritizing time outside throughout the day ☀️
Take intentional deep breaths. 🫁
Make small choices to prioritize physical comfort. Something as simple as buying a new chair cushion can change the game.
Say “no worries” when you can. ☮️
Eat fresh fruits and veggies that make you feel good from the inside out.
Exercise, stretch, do yoga. 🧘🏾♀️
Relax your face. Unclench your jaw. Relax your shoulders.
Start your mornings intentionally. Meditate, Affirm yourself. Visualize your day. Exercise. Read something inspirational. Journal. 🌅
Time your tasks. Schedule for the “weather.” It’s going to “rain” sometimes. Just like you moved your water outing to the afternoon after checking the weather on vacation, anticipate the weather in your building, how you feel at certain times of the day, and time your tasks accordingly! 🌨
I am a NYC Public Schools Assistant Principal in District 75, and these are ways that I “live on vacation all the time.”