Time: 1 - 2 Hours
STEP 1: Find a nearby lake, public beach, or reservoir that you can get to easily. Read up on what activities are available. Consider fishing, reading a good book, swimming, or paddle boarding while getting some vitamin D. Decide if you would like to share this experience with others: your family, a group of friends, or a significant other. Emphasize the theme of relaxation for the day—make a conscious effort to prioritize and support relaxation in one another.
STEP 2: Bring a drink, snack, book, and anything else you need to enjoy a relaxing afternoon. Pack plenty of sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat, and an umbrella so that you may lounge around without risking sun damage. If you want to take a walk along the water bring along some walking shoes to protect your feet.
STEP 3: Find a hammock, comfortable chair, or picnic table… anywhere that feels right in order to calm your mind and body. Listen to the waves rolling in and out along the shore. Focus on the constant ebb and flow of the water. Steady your breathing and begin to relax your body starting from your toes and working all the way up to your eyebrows. Remain in your state of peaceful calmness for as long as it feels right to you. Let your body and mind release you back to reality slowly and naturally.
STEP 4: Be grateful for the time that you are giving yourself to rest and recharge. Reflect upon the peace that comes with getting away for a few hours. If you brought someone with you, be sure to focus on your personal relaxation before theirs or consider inviting them to join you in some yoga poses and stretches so that you can share in the relaxation together.
STEP 5: Upon returning home evaluate how you were impacted by the day away from your normal routine. Whether you feel that this is something you can allow yourself to do often or not, there are important lessons you can learn from setting the intention of relaxation for your day. Take this mindset, along with some peace you acquired, back to your office and home. Set your computer or phone background to an image of the place you visited or buy a keepsake that reminds you of your time spent away.
