What are you doing this weekend? Do you have some extra work to get done? Does the yard need mowing? Is the house cluttered? Do you feel behind, like you’ll never get caught up? Maybe you’re trying too hard. Maybe, what you really need is a break. Sometimes, a day trip is the perfect solution.
Sometimes, We All Need To Get Away
Living simple is not instantaneous. It takes time. I’ve downsized, but I still have to cook the meals, wash the dishes, do the laundry, sweep the floor, mow the lawn, and much more. Simple or not, the reality is that life has responsibilities. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to stop, breathe, and take a day trip.
How Taking A Vacation Saved My Life: And How It Could Save Yours
I’ve discovered that taking a day trip when life gets a little overwhelming is the perfect way to reenergize myself. In the long run, I actually get more done for getting away for a day. Day trips are also great for kids. It teaches them that adult life is not always all work and no play. They get to see and experience new things.
Two Kinds Of Day Trips
- The preplanned day trip: I usually plan day trips in advance. Sometimes, Annie and I go visit family or friends. Other times, we go hiking, or to an event like a concert or a museum. Planning ahead gives you time to make needed preparations: directions, money, food and water, etc.
- The spontaneous day trip: Sometimes, you just gotta get away. Have you ever woke up and said, “I think today is a good day to take a drive?” You grab your wallet and keys and hit the road. I’ve been known to do that, too.
Check out these 10 spontaneous day-trip ideas @ How Stuff Works.
Why You Might Need A Day Trip
- A day trip alleviates your stress: When you’re stressed with a specific environment, the best thing you can do is remove yourself from that environment. You shouldn’t run away from your problems, but taking a short break from stress is almost always a wise choice.
- A day trip allows for spontaneity: Sometimes we get stuck in routine. We do the same things over and over and over. Life gets dull because nothing feels exciting and new. When you’re on a day trip, you can make a few spontaneous decisions. Go ahead and take that scenic road. Why not have ice cream? Sometimes it’s good to do things… just because.
- A day trip gives you a different perspective: We live in the desert. A trip to the mountains or the ocean is a welcome change of scenery. A trip to a museum or a zoo lets you see things through a different lens. A short change can stir your creativity. Many times, I’ve returned from day trips inspired to write about the experience. Journal for the journey.
- A day trip lets you start fresh: Sometimes, a short getaway is exactly what you need. Sure, you’ll come home to the same problems, but you’ll come home with a better attitude. You’ll come home with fresh eyes and fresh energy. You just did something fun or interesting. You gave yourself a break from routine. Perhaps, that’s exactly what you needed.
Pack Light And Go!
So go ahead, take a day trip. Don’t feel guilty that you’re not getting things done. Feel good that you’re reenergizing your battery so that you can get more done when you get back home. Feel good, knowing you’ve helped to teach your kids the value of having fun and being spontaneous.
Now the only question is this: where will you go?
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