You Don't Need to go on Vacation if You Want to Get Away

With nicer weather finally here and the kids getting out of school, many of us have vacations on our minds. But there’s another way to relax and recharge.

Everyone needs a sanctuary, a safe place to escape. It can be a physical space in your home, somewhere outside the home that lets you focus only on yourself, or just a special place in your mind that you can visit any time.

For me, I like to get away by getting outside - fresh air makes such a difference. Sometimes it's working in my garden, sometimes it's taking a walk - either in my neighborhood or in an area park - and always with my dog!

There are really two types of sanctuaries: mental and physical. A mental sanctuary allows you to step away from your caregiver/work/family responsibilities and rest your mind, even if it’s just for a moment. It can be an imaginary location, a peaceful memory, or guided meditation. You can simply close your eyes, take some deep breaths, relax your muscles, and let yourself spend some time in this sanctuary to rejuvenate.

A physical sanctuary is an actual place you can go to escape the chaos, to relax and recharge your emotional and physical batteries. Ideally, it’s a place that’s yours alone, that you don’t have to share with anyone else (except maybe a pet). Maybe it’s a special room full of mementos from happy times, calming colors and comfortable fabrics, relaxing music, or even scented candles or incense – whatever fills you with joy and peace. It’s a place you can go to think of absolutely nothing.

Whether it’s a physical or mental sanctuary, spending time in your peaceful place can help you reduce physical tension, alleviate stress, and take a much-needed break. (It’s not the time to make mental lists of all the things you have to do. This is time for YOU.)

What’s your special sanctuary?