Years ago, a TV commercial portrayed a hectic day in the life of a woman. It ended with her pouring bath beads into a filling bathtub. She looked toward the camera and said the name of the product followed by the words, “Take me away.”
In the years since that commercial, I’ve used that phrase many times when life feels overwhelming. In these days, most of us long to escape, even if only temporarily, from COVID restrictions, a hostile political climate, and never-ending negative news.
Following are ways to give yourself a refreshing break with a mini escape:
Take a Day Trip
Last week, my husband and I took a day trip. We decided on an early breakfast destination the night before, but then let the day unfold based on whim. We saw mountains, took a walk around a lake, and made fruit and vegetable purchases from roadside stands. It was refreshing to be away from our desks and the pressure of deadlines and spend time together.
A day trip is a nice way to escape schedules and enjoy the freedom of a spontaneous outing. Even a few hours is enough to recharge mentally and emotionally.
Enjoy the Beauty of Nature
I’m a big proponent of the power of nature to calm and restore. Take advantage of nature trails, hiking, and grounds of properties like the Biltmore Estate. Dive into the settings. Enjoy the color and plant varieties. Bask in the sights and sounds. Even time spent walking in your neighborhood or sitting on a porch, deck, or patio is therapeutic and calming. Nature has the ability to move you beyond the anxiety of current circumstances and precipitate forward motion.
Relive Past Travel Adventures
Resurrecting memories of past travel adventures is a good way to distance yourself from the current inability to travel as well as recapture the fun associated with those journeys. You can accomplish this by assembling photos you took in an album, reminiscing with travel companions, or writing a personal essay about some aspect of your journey.
Recently, I had an online conversation with several people about past writing conferences and the fun we had while there. For those moments, we forgot about canceled conferences and retreated to a time when “pandemic” wasn’t in our vocabularies.
Engage in a Virtual Tour
I enjoy looking at various types of architecture, particularly the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. When many Wright-designed properties that are open to the public closed because of the pandemic, virtual events were created, allowing viewers to tour areas of the houses or buildings that aren’t always part of on-site tours. These behind-the-scenes virtual tours allow a brief escape and bring me joy.
Look for opportunities based on your areas of interest. Also, take advantage of free education videos and livestreams created by outlets like Viking.TV.
Go Deeper Spiritually
In these days when fires burn out of control, hurricanes churn offshore, and people riot and loot just because they feel like it, we need a deeper connection to God. We long to escape the turmoil in our world and experience the type of peace that is only found in a relationship with our Creator and Sustainer. Spending more time in prayer and spiritual contemplation diverts attention from problems and frustrations, provides balance and clarity, and helps shift focus to the greatness and grace of God. We are reminded that when everything feels out of control, we have everlasting arms that anchor and hold us firmly.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19 ESV
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, speaker, and freelance editor. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving beyond difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotionals published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House) and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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