I Need a Break

Work and family demands or the weather can get us to thinking about getting away from it all! Unfortunately, many people go away on vacation and return feeling tired and stressed. Here are some things to consider:

1. Stay home - If you really need a rest, you could just plan to take time off from your job and not go anywhere. You likely have reading, movies and hobbies that never get touched because of busyness and staying at home can offer you a cost-free opportunity to enjoy them.
2. Consider the timing - Deciding to go on a trip can be expensive but if you are willing to shop around, there are times that will offer you savings. Flying mid-week is usually less expensive than on weekends. Off season also costs less and there are always airline sales that offer discounts at various times throughout the year.
3. Set a budget and allow for extras - Travel often costs more than expected, especially if you have delays or need transportation that you hadn't expected. My cousin used to say that there isn't any point in buying a boat if you can't afford the gas to run it! Make sure you have access to extra funds before you leave just in case!
4. Think about travel options - When I went to Boston a couple of years ago, I decided to travel by train to Philadelphia and then to Lancaster. I loved it! Try taking a ferry, boat or even bicycle during part of your adventure.
5. Read reviews about accommodations - There are so many choices when it comes to finding a good place to stay and this can be confusing. I don't always look for the most popular tourist areas because most places have good transportation options. Also, remember that when I go away, I am going for a rest. I look for clean rooms and good customer service as priorities.
6. Under pack - You likely don't need as many clothes as you think. Leave room in your luggage for items that you might want to bring home with you. You can always purchase something there. And it is a good idea to pack a smaller suitcase or an extra bag inside your suitcase in case you need it. It is usually less expensive to pay airlines for an extra bag than an overweight one.
7. Allow for delays - Life happens! Weather, mechanical problems and other uncontrollable incidents can result in your flight being cancelled. (That is why you might need extra funds for a hotel stay or meal).
8. Treat airports like malls - You can sit and complain about having to wait or you can enjoy your time. I often purchase birthday cards, get my hair done or order a nice meal while I am waiting for connections. It's actually not very different from visiting a mall in my home city.
9. Plan rest days. I usually plan one day with a tour or outing followed by one day of rest. Most of my trips are ten days which allow two for travel, four for enjoying the surroundings and four for self-care.
10. Consult with "locals" - Staff at the hotel or in retail stores will tell you where they eat and shop. These are usually non-tourist sites that offer excellent bargains and lots of nice surprises.

The secret to a good break is in the planning. Investing a little time up front will likely result in lots of smiles and memories for years to come!

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Linda_Hancock/152728

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Turning Point

There in times in life when significant changes occur and not everyone can figure out why that happened. Following are some of the reasons why people change:

1. They "hit bottom" - This low is different for each person. No matter how dysfunctional their choices might appear to others, people do not change until life doesn't work for them anymore! When they get to the point that they can't stand the why things are going, they consider going another direction.
2. They receive information that gives them good options that they didn't have previously. Someone might have had a dream to get an education but couldn't imagine quitting their job and moving to another location. Then they find out that they can continue to work at least part-time while studying in a certified online program.
3. They had a role model who set an example and encouraged them to reach a similar goal. The fact that another person has already been successful and believes that others can do the same, is powerful!
4. Time and Opportunity meet. Many for example, believe that Barack Obama would never have become the first black President in a different time. He apparently asked if he could wait and was told that he had to run when he did because the opportunity was ripe and might not be again in the near future,
5. Hope shines through and drags people forward despite the barriers and distractions.
6. All of the above - Many individuals believe that you need a little bit of everything mixed in the right portions.

Turning points can occur in a number of different ways most of which are positive. While one person begins enjoying better health another might find a better career. A business might see noticeable growth and a relationship improve communication styles.

I think that the major key, however, is that one must have an open mind towards change. There is no maintenance in life. You are either moving forward or moving backward.

If there is an area in your life that you do not like, the good news is that you have options. Tal with trusted family and friends in order to glean new ideas. Take responsibility for your own life and be prepared to invest time and energy now in order to enjoy rewards in the future.

Hopefully, even reading this article will help you to consider ways that you can launch yourself into making plans for your next positive turning point.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Linda_Hancock/152728

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/10127661