One of my favorite Insights (affirmations for Modern Wellness) is the suggestion I often give myself to “Think of your life as a vacation.”

Why?

When you think of a vacation, what comes to mind? Relaxation, adventure, new experiences, and a break from the daily grind. Vacations are special because they allow us to escape routine, explore new places, and indulge in activities that bring us joy.

My Insight asks how would our lives change if we applied this mindset to our everyday lives?

Finding joy in the everyday

One of the key elements of a vacation is the sense of joy and excitement. You wake up each day with anticipation, eager to see what adventures await. By approaching your life with this same enthusiasm, you can transform even the most mundane tasks into opportunities for happiness. Start by identifying small pleasures that bring you joy, whether it’s a morning cup of coffee, a walk in the park, or a good book. Savor these moments as you would on vacation.

Prioritizing self-care

Vacations are often a time for pampering and self-care. We indulge in spa treatments, enjoy leisurely meals, and ensure we get plenty of rest. Why wait for a vacation to take care of yourself? Make self-care a daily priority. Schedule regular breaks, practice mindfulness, and treat your body with the kindness it deserves. Remember, your well-being is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Exploring new horizons

Traveling to new destinations broadens our horizons and enriches our lives with diverse experiences. While you may not be able to travel all the time, you can still embrace a spirit of exploration in your daily life. Try new hobbies, visit local attractions, learn a new skill, or meet new people. Stepping out of your comfort zone keeps life exciting and invigorating.

Creating meaningful connections

Vacations are often spent with loved ones, creating cherished memories. In our busy lives, it’s easy to neglect our relationships. Make a conscious effort to connect with family and friends regularly. Share meals, have meaningful conversations, and create special moments together. Strong relationships are the foundation of a happy life.

Giving yourself an opportunity to reset

Vacations are great for helping us press the “reset” button. Taking a break from our day-to-day problems and aggravations and allowing ourselves to rest and recreate is restorative—mentally, emotionally, and even physically. When our bodies switch from the sympathetic nervous system’s “fight, flight, or freeze” mode of daily Cultural Stress, they enter the “rest and digest” mode of the parasympathetic nervous system. This is literally when our bodies do the work of restoring our systems to normal status. Chronic deferral of these restorative functions has long-term consequences for our health–so give yourself a break!

Overcoming challenges with a positive outlook

Life, like vacations, isn’t always perfect. There will be challenges and setbacks. However, by adopting a vacation mindset, you can approach these difficulties with a positive outlook. Think of them as unexpected detours that can lead to new discoveries and personal growth. Embrace the journey, and remember that every experience, good or bad, contributes to your life’s adventure.

Take an example: on occasion I’ve flown Southwest Airlines. One thing I admire about their business model is the playful attitude of their employees.

On one connecting flight out of Las Vegas, I heard the gate agent announce over the crowds of waiting passengers, “OK, passengers on Southwest flight #3456 to Denver, TONIGHT you’re going to make NEW FRIENDS because we have a COMPLETELY FULL FLIGHT!”

A ripple of laughter passed through the terminal and people began looking at each other as friendly fellow travelers, rather than as impediments to their intended destination. That’s the positive reframing that can help us make the best of every day. I consider it so important that I’ve created several Insights affirming it, such as:

“Rewrite and reframe the negatives in your life.”

“Celebrate each day as if it were your birthday.”

“Smile daily; frown infrequently.”

“Have only good days.”

“Have gratitude for today’s portion as it is.”

“Life is good, bad, and indifferent. Focus on the good.”

In other words, by thinking of your life as a vacation, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities and joy. This attitude encourages you to find beauty in the everyday, prioritize self-care, explore new horizons, and nurture meaningful connections. Life is too short to be spent merely going through the motions. Embrace each day with the same enthusiasm and gratitude you would on a dream vacation, and watch how your life transforms.

That’s #ModernWellness!