Calm your mind and allow me to take you on a mental vacation with me. We are traveling to a small tropical island in the French Polynesia. Our items are all packed up for the next two weeks, in preparation for our relaxing getaway. The plane awaits our company at the airport. We are now on the plane, soaring 35 000 feet in the sky, above the clouds where we are as close to the sun as most of us will ever get. The flight goes so smoothly that we are able to rest, occasionally peering out the small window at the huge world. We have now landed in paradise, and the resort staff kindly welcome us as guests with fresh pressed local mango pineapple juice. When we look to the east, we see a very distant image of the coast in California, and to the west is australia. We are right in the middle of two populations carrying out their everyday routines of early morning work and school yet we are enjoying a break from reality. This is our home for the next two weeks, with no worries or responsibilities. It is time that we focus on ourselves. Whether the destination is near or far, by car or by plane, vacations are a great method to escape and relax the mind. Reality, although very important to understand, is difficult to manage every day, of every month, of every year. We often get carried away and forget how important it is to be mindful not only of others, but especially ourselves. We can choose to travel with friends if that is when we are most content and ourselves. We can travel by ourselves and do a mental reset if that is what you are in need of. I personally have found that without being able to travel due to restrictions, that I feel less relaxed and that I could use a four month long vacation at this point in time if only it were possible. Covid has had the effect that every day is a repetition of the last. In fact you are not alone if you have these thoughts, forty-six of the fifty people I surveyed about this question had said they agreed with that statement and I also do. Of course we can’t have any major excursions during the pandemic, but in case you are holding on to the hope of being able to get away for a vacation soon here are some things to help prepare:
Although traveling isn’t the solution to all of your problems, it still feels amazing to treat yourself with a break from reality and to sit back and enjoy the little things. At times we are so caught up in our worries we forget just how big the world is, and the opportunity that lies out there for grabs. Take a mental vacation.
Jenna J
18 Comments
Nyah Gentry
3/8/2021 10:03:56 am
This is a beautifully optimistic blog. I miss travelling and cannot wait until I can do it safely. My favourite trip I’ve taken is the grade 9 fashion trip to New York, a truly once in a lifetime experience. I look forward to travelling anywhere I am of legal age, Alberta, Quebec, Mexico, Bahamas, Europe, I’m not picky....
Reply
Kaelen
3/8/2021 12:44:33 pm
Thanks to Jenna for sharing, after reading this article. When I closed my eyes, the picture described in the text appeared in my mind. Holidays are really relaxing, chill activities. In this upcoming spring break, I also hope that I can spend it comfortably and comfortably.
Reply
Tyler
3/8/2021 08:46:44 pm
I really liked this blog because it's something we can all understand since we're all going through the same thing, talking about the pandemic. It has been hard having to cancel all the trips especially the spring break ones to get away to somewhere warm. But I have found that because I like the sun I find that now I am enjoying softball practices more. Because I am able to get away from the pandemic almost like I can be present and be with a group of people. Being there is kind of like a vacation to me because I am not thinking about anything other than softball and it's really fun so that also helps with everything.
Reply
Kiana Birk
3/8/2021 09:49:08 pm
Thanks for sharing Jenna! I really appreciate that your blog is written in the form of storytelling. I found myself reminded of all those feelings and emotions you get the day before a vacation; the excitement! When you mentioned “peering out the small window at the huge world” I could picture this scene and it gave me a great sense of imagery throughout.
Reply
Caiti
3/8/2021 11:22:13 pm
I really liked this blog. Your description of our imaginary vacation was really well done I especially loved the idea of “peering out of the small widow at the huge world”. Although I don’t think I’ll be travelling anytime soon I really am looking forward to travelling in the future. Which, with the help of your tips I can start planning now.
Reply
Kaysey
3/9/2021 12:51:11 am
*sips margarita glass full of bubly* *clicks tongue, sighs and sinks into tanning chair* sorry babe, didn't read your blog because I am too busy relaxing. Talk to me in a week.
Reply
Brianna S
3/9/2021 12:37:21 pm
Yes, it’s too bad we can’t go on a physical vacation right now, but you’re right. There are many ways to mentally go on vacation. We all need it sometimes- covid or not. I think if you keep a goal of going to a destination someday, you’ll get there even if it takes years of preparation :)
Reply
Riley
3/9/2021 01:33:42 pm
Great Blog Jenna! I loved how you took the reader on the experience of going on vacation. I do agree that it is hard to find relaxing moments or excursions to go on during these times, and I can totally relate to that. Vacation prep is also very important and you made some great points on how and why we budget for longer durations of vacation time. Wish I could head to French Polynesia right about now!
Reply
Emily
3/10/2021 09:56:24 am
Great blog Jen , I really liked the imagery at the beginning and taking the mental trip towards a nice vacation . There is a lot of ways to mentally go on a vacation . It’s nice even to look up some hotels in areas and just imagine. I wish we could travel right now but I know eventually we will be able too and it’ll be so nice to go back to a nice relaxing place like Mexico for a totally chill holiday
Reply
Taylor
3/10/2021 10:45:34 am
I really loved this blog. My trip to Puerto Rico last spring break and to Ontario last summer both got cancelled because of covid. I was so upset because I was looking forward to them for the whole year. I really relate to this blog because I've actually said the same thing about using vacations as an escape so I thought it was really cool to hear you say that as well.
Reply
Kaya
3/10/2021 12:18:39 pm
That mental image in the beginning was something I really needed. It made me feel totally relaxed and I can agree, that there are times when i felt like I needed a break one or two times. As I do agree, vacations do not solve everything, yet they do help give your mind a much needed mental break. As you said, it’s never a bad idea to start saving separate money or to create a budget for yourself. Since these habits can help you create good habits for your life.
Reply
Madison
3/10/2021 03:34:18 pm
Thank you for the mini mental vay cay! I feel that pretty much everyone needs some kind of break, be it from school, work or just the stress of life in general. The tips you gave will definitely be used soon, especially over spring break, I will definitely plan my next vacation! Hopefully to all the places that got cancelled last may. Thanks covid :(
Reply
Jerry
3/10/2021 11:19:55 pm
Honestly, I'm exhausting that I cannot have a trip right now. But your blog actually gives me hope and inspire me to make a list for my "vacation". Imagining a non-exist place is great idea that giving us motivation and inspiration to make it come true. Thanks for your "vacation", this is very creative and affective.
Reply
amelie g
3/11/2021 12:27:42 am
this was nice and fun to read but now i'm craving to go on vacation!!!
Reply
Abbey
3/11/2021 02:30:21 am
Hey Jenna! I can totally relate to being less relaxed as I haven't been able to travel or do much of anything recently. I love to travel and experience new things, and the pandemic has pretty much put an end to that for the time being. The imagery at the beginning definitely made me miss Mexico and the warm weather, which I thought was a nice addition to your blog. I also liked how you added some suggestions of how you can travel and do activities locally! Thank you for sharing
Reply
callie
3/11/2021 11:23:17 am
I really appreciated this blog because I found it to be positive, which is something I've had trouble seeing recently. I think it's important to be reminded of the good things in life, and what we have to look forward to post Covid.
Reply
Devon
3/11/2021 01:08:10 pm
Thank you for sharing Jenna! I really loved your blog. With covid we have all been confined to our town, spending too much time stuck in our houses. I know many people that had planned to go on vacations for the holidays that have passed while in quarantine, and it can become disappointing when you were so excited for your trip just to have it cancelled due to something out of your control. However, we can't dwell on the past and I think it is so important to look forward to what's to come in the future after travel restrictions are lifted, I am looking forward to a trip once we can travel.
Reply
Callum
3/11/2021 01:42:42 pm
I loved the blog! if it wasn't for the mandatory 2 week quarantine I'd probably be somewhere on a beach in a couple days.
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Categories
|