I know it’s only February. The month where we’re trying to recover from January – whatever that means. Plus it’s busy season (those who are affected already understand). And so it’s a little bit weird to be encouraging anyone to rest or take vacations right now. But I dare say that there is no better time to talk about prioritizing your rest this year, than now – the early part of the year.
Rest is one of the best things you can do for your health. It’s being proven to reduce high blood pressure so whatever you do, and I know how crazy life can get, don’t get too busy to rest. Take that time out occasionally to just breathe. I understand how the so-many things on your to-do list make it difficult to get rest (add having kids to this equation) but you see, rest is not one of the things you want to constantly pass on. I’m here for the sometimes-marathon at work or school when you have a pressing task to accomplish but you cannot afford to be on a constant marathon all your life. This will increase your chances of breaking down. And the thing with breaking down is that when you do, all of those many task and goals will take a chill-pill anyway. Plus, you’ll likely be ‘out’ for much longer than if you actually took that rest voluntarily.
Rest can take different forms, one of the most important being sleep; as little as a 10-minute nap can save lives by preventing a car crash which would have been hitherto caused by a tired driver. That being said, I will be focusing this post more on the kind of rest where you disappear for a particular period – a.k.a vacations.
So, in August 2014, I went on the first vacation of my adult life. I was in my early twenties, vibrant and ready to see the world. White teeth for photos: check. Hair on fleek: check. Summer body: check. It was my first time outside Nigeria and even though it lasted all of two weeks or so, it was worth every minute. It was my first time in an aircraft (no shame here) and I did feel on top of the world, at least aside from take-off, turbulence, and landing moments. Let me also add that I went with my mama so you can guess how that went. All the more fun, actually. Since that experience, I have gone on a number of vacations, and every single time has always been refreshing in a new, different way. Suffice to say that it has now become one of my hobbies (when I can afford it, because sometimes I want to go but my bank account doesn’t).
Different people generally have different attitudes to vacations and I reckon that this is as a result of personality, upbringing, society, and financial factors. Irrespective of what part of the world you come from, here are a few reasons why you should go on vacations once in a while if you can.
- You deserve it. Especially if you are the kind who works round the clock for the most part of the year. If this is you, giving yourself a vacation treat once a year is not indulgence, probably more of a necessity. There is no better way to reward yourself for all of that hard work. If the cost of vacationing overseas is a constraint, do interstate vacation. Sometimes, it’ just that feeling of being away from your regular location that does the trick. Obviously, you need to have earned your vacation in your own best interest so you don’t guilt-trip (pun intended). And I know, there’s a million other things you’d rather spend that money on. But believe me when I say that your mind will thank you for giving it this treat.
- You see the world in different light (especially when it’s inter-country). The world’s most traveled man in the year 2017 was a 73-year-old Don Parrish. Here’s what he said: ‘Travelling is a good way to get over the idea that the world revolves around you’. Truly, it’s hard to see beyond where you physically are and know what life elsewhere is like until you actually go see. And it doesn’t matter if you watch international news all day every day. Some things remain better experienced than watched on electronics.
- You feel refreshed afterwards. As does any asset you own, your brain needs to relax too. When you do not give your brain time off, you treat it like a perpetual motion machine – which actually doesn’t physically exist as this violates the second law of thermodynamics. Have you ever heard of the phrase ‘cerebral-lull’? You wouldn’t have, because I just created this jargon. *insert big awkward grin*. So, the cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that controls thoughts and emotions while a lull is a temporary moment of quiet. I believe that we all need that moment of quiet once in a while to maintain our sanity and get us re-energized. And it’s usually easier to do this when you’re away – resting and not working.
- Vacations can make you happier. Of course, going on vacations alone will not keep you happy as life is much more than this. However, a recent study shows that it is among the things that can make a person happier. Your heart loves it. So go on and fly. Please be happy. I just need to remind you that joy, true joy can only be found in God and not in your travel stamps. Hate to burst your bubble.
Anyway, if you were ever looking for an excuse to vacation, there I have just give you four to ponder on!
Admittedly, you do need to have reasonable amount of money to vacation but you do not have to break a bank. Here are a few tips that work for me:
- Plan ahead. Planning is everything, especially with finances. It’s not too early to start planning 8 months before your trip. If you wanted to go on a vacation in say August, you had better not wait till July before you started planning your trip. This is because you need ample time to plan around your finances, time, job, business, or school. You also need time to inform your loved ones as you may not want to miss important functions. Plan to save a portion of your monthly income towards your vacation and see how much you will have saved up in maybe 7 months. You may also want to book your transportation and accommodation well in advance to take advantage of cheaper rates. Also, keep your ears on ground for promos & discounts and ALWAYS read reviews.
- Research. Every traveller should be a good researcher. What do you know about your intended vacation location? What do you know about the culture, beliefs, people and weather? The internet is always there to your rescue. For example, you could take a look at 30 best places to visit this year . In taking out time to research, you can find enjoyable places within your budget. There are also a number of tour companies out there that can help make your vacation more memorable. Just don’t fall for any scams.
- Be safe. Hey, I cannot overemphasize this. In deciding where, when and how to go, your safety considerations are very important. Be aware of the atmosphere and security of your intended location. You do not want to find out as soon as you alight from your flight that the place is suffering from a war or a tornado. You should make these findings during your initial research stage, in the days leading up to your travel as well as while you’re there. Why? Things can change in a matter of hours.
- Find you a travel buddy. Ultimately, this boils down to individual preferences. Some people are lone travelers and some of us are not: most times. Personally, I enjoy the ones where I go with a family member or friend – for me, the husband usually doubles as both. That way, I have somebody to fool around with, talk to on the flight, try new things with, and of course, he shall be the photographer of the occasion (and vice-versa). If there’s nobody to go with you or you just prefer to go alone, go right ahead and enjoy yourself.
With these many words of mine, I hope that you will prioritize your rest more this year and even better, give yourself a vacation treat as soon as you can.
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