Ocean diving, raft relaxing, berries from our garden, homemade pancakes, playing with Call it Spring‘s pretzel floatie, paddle boarding, rock pool exploring, puppy cuddles and suntanning. I was really looking forward to some complete relaxation on my mini vacay at the cabin and that’s exactly what I got – it couldn’t have been better. I feel so grateful that I had such great blog-sitters while I was gone so that I could really enjoy my trip fully (thanks Marta, Steph and Gabrielle…you ladies are amazing!).
I made a commitment to myself recently to really discover how I can make my work work for me, if that makes any sense at all. In other words, I got bogged down earlier this year by working a bit inefficiently and making more work for myself than was necessary. By taking a couple months recently to scale back and reflect on how I wanted to recalibrate, I really came to the realization that sometimes I just need to completely cease work full-stop. As a full-time blogger and full-time marketing/social media manager, it’s near-impossible to completely unplug, but after reading Lara Casey’s The Challenge (I highly recommend you download it now and get started on the challenge) as well as Shawn Achor’s The Happiness Advantage, I feel now more than ever that taking these little mini vacays throughout the year are absolutely integral to my efficiency, happiness, health and passion when it comes to my work. I love my full-time job and am really moved by my employer’s cause so it’s not hard to tap into passion there, but I think it’s particularly important to keep the passion for the blog since that’s exactly what it’s supposed to be…my passion project.
Anyway, the past month or so I’ve felt so much happier with all elements of my life and work since I’ve integrated these more regular breaks. While I can’t really unplug for a full day, disconnecting even for the bulk of a day makes such a huge difference. It’s very counterintuitive to me since my natural tendency is to be a bit of a workaholic (i.e. my brain autowires to more work = more success), but not wearing myself down by taking on too much has absolutely and completely been one of the best shifts I’ve made in my life in recent months.
With that, I suggest you challenge yourself to take just a few hours this weekend to completely disconnect. Don’t check your Facebook, don’t Instagram anything and if possible, try to not even text anyone….just stow away your phone for a few hours, read a book, do a leisurely manicure or bake. Whatever helps you wind down and brings you to your happy place.
Are you good about taking regular breaks, and if so, how do you do it?
All such lovely shots. Looks like a wonderful time. That first shot and that pretzel shot though…Wow, dear! So amazing.
Beautiful pictures,
lovely bikini!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
Girl. Give me your workout plan! You are smokin' hot!
I am so unbelievably jealous that you get to spend your weekends there, it's a bit of paradise, seriously!! This looks like the absolute perfect weekend, relaxing and so much fun. You are such a gorgeous beach bum!
xJennaD
Love these shots, looks like a beautiful summer out there! I was so looking forward to visiting the coast but now I have to put it off and only get to go to Kelowna… there's always next year!
I so agree about unplugging. Getting back to nature is so important to being happy
Alex,
you are so damn right.
I was kinda feeling not good about taking a 4 days vacay with my bf this week, but you made me think that this is what I need.
Also, love the pictures, they are great!
These pictures are amazing! I have a cabin on the Sunshine Coast as well, it's my favourite place in the world! Happy Friday 🙂
Emily
http://www.chroniclesofacatslave.blogspot.ca
Looks incredible. The colour of those starfish is unreal!
xxx
Claudia
http://pink-manolos.blogspot.com
Wow, these are great pics! Looks like you are having such a fun time!
xx
Girl, I am SO with you. I often do the same, because working full time + managing a blog is just too much sometimes. I unplug probably once a week if not more for a few hours and just BE. It's helps so much.
You are looking FAB too girlfran! xo
Thank you for this! I had just recently blogged about happiness and found it so helpful and cleansing! That being said, this was supposed to be a week of vacation for me, but I just couldn't get away from my phone…I need to completely unplug too and am DEFINITELY going to take this challenge!
Thanks again!
Ardis – Rustic Retrievals
Your vacation looks seriously amazing, but that challenge seems a little too, er, challenging, ha! I kid, it's totally important, i fully agree with you. I don't think i could ever not check my IG though… oh, #bloggerlife.
You look gorgeous, Alex.
You look so happy when you're on vacation and relaxing! And wow, you look absolutely amazing!
~Sara
Sincerely, Sara