Introduction
Self-care activities are fairly common these days. As people try to avoid burnout from attempting to have it all, we’ve seen a rise in self-care routines, checklists, and activities to re-energize and promote well-being. And Self care Sunday has exploded. While I firmly believe small and continuous steps can make a big impact, I also understand the reality of burned-out professionals. That is how I came to recognize travel as the best self-care activity. Taking a vacation provides a huge dose of self-care all at once. Yes, daily care is still necessary, and a self-care Sunday routine is fantastic, but sometimes that isn’t going to be enough to bring you back to your best.
Before you write off travel and say you don’t have the time or money – consider what else you can give up to make this happen. I believe travel is the best self-care activity because it can touch upon all dimensions of the self-care wheel, as developed by Olga Phoenix (https://olgaphoenix.com/self-care-wheel/). Travel can be as short as a day trip a couple of hours from home or a lengthy vacation in another country. Either way, you can still reap the benefits that travel has on your well-being.
Below I share how travel can make a difference in each of the self-care dimensions. How’s that for optimal wellbeing?!
Spiritual Self-Care
Have you ever noticed that changing a child’s environment when their upset often makes them completely forget and move on? You might have noticed that changing your environment can sometimes help you accomplish a task. Traveling can be a huge source of inspiration in a similar way. Getting out of your element and away from the familiar can be inspiring! It can help you see things differently and offer a perspective you didn’t even know you were searching for.
Emotional Self-Care
Not only is travel a great form of self-love, but it’s also a great way to build empathy. Seeing how other cultures live can be eye-opening. Immerse yourself in another’s world and walk in their shoes for a great lesson in empathy.
Personal Self-Care
Whether you go on a trip solo or you bring the family along, you can spend time connecting with those around you and doing what you enjoy. Beyond spending time with those who matter most, travel is a great way to reconsider what you are passionate about and even try a new hobby.
Physical Self-Care
Traveling can force us to let go of what we’re accountable for day to day and exist in any way we choose. Whether using vacation time to sleep, sit on the beach, go to the spa, or spend time in nature, you’ll be able to fit in “you” time. Taking a vacation is the ultimate freedom from responsibility.
Psychological Self-Care
Self-reflection can be challenging when you’re busy and consumed by daily stressors. Quiet moments in travel can give you the space necessary for self-reflection because your mind (and calendar) can be free to practice gratitude, meditation, and other activities that can lead you to the growth you desire.
Professional Self-Care
It’s important to get away from work and unplug. When you’re on vacation and distracting yourself with all of the things that make you happy, work can hide away in the background. Of course, this only works if you don’t take it with you, and if your colleagues respect that you will be away. While it might be tempting to take work with you, remember this is your self-care time and you need to step away for your own wellbeing. Truly stepping away can help you fully reset and come back with a fresh perspective.
Conclusion
Taking care of your needs is essential to taking care of everything else in your life. If you want your business, your career, your family, and your love life to thrive, invest in yourself first. Yes, it can feel selfish. Yes, you may feel your time should be spent elsewhere. But the sooner you begin to practice self-love and self-care, the better off you – and those around you – will be. Incorporating daily activities is essential, but taking time to travel can give you a more complete reset you need for the energy and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Don’t use up all the water taking care of the plants around you, without first watering yours.
Ready to plan your next vacation? See how you can save time planning your next trip here.