Natural Medicine Clinic Publications

Vacations: Start Planning Now

By Nancy Aagenes, ND

Breaking routine gives new perspective and balance in the every day. You will experience more health if you take time to restore and rest and be with those you love the most in playful and attentive times. You will enjoy productivity more when you get home.

How to vacate your everyday life:

• Plan ahead. If you want a month off, it is unlikely that it could start next week. But if you look at your schedule for April 2004, it's unlikely much is penciled in. Right now block off that time.
• Start saving right now. With every paycheck, save $20 or 10%, an amount you won't miss or that will mean only a small forfeit. Make that your first "spending" priority.
• Make concrete inquiries into your dreams. Look at travel magazines and books. Talk to friends who travel, or make new friends because you know they travel. Research every fantasy.

This relieves stress now. Knowing you will have this makes now sweeter. When you can't abide this moment, vacate it. Read the history of the place you have chosen. Read newspapers from there online. Look at prices and places.

Make this commitment to yourself. At your next visit tell me something about your vacation plans and dreams.