We'd all like to spend more time on vacation and less time in the grind, so I've gathered some tips that you can incorporate into your daily life that can give you the vacation life feels all the time.
Start Your Day Off Right
How the morning starts will set the tone for the whole day, so be mindful. Set your alarm a little earlier so you don’t have to rush. I know it can be hard to get out of bed but once you get in the habit you will be thankful. Give yourself time to sip your coffee and eat breakfast, maybe some unexpected morning sex or take the dog for a walk. Do something that has you enjoy your morning just like you would if you were vacationing.
Rock Out
Every time you get it your car it should feel like a road trip... because technically it is. Make a playlist of your favorite road-trip-feel-good vacation songs and play them loud. Sing along and play the drums on your steering wheel. Rock out in your car, even if it’s only a 15 minute car ride.
Explore
Okay so maybe you aren’t in some exotic country but I’m sure there is something you have yet to discover in your town or close to. Get out there. Get lost, go find some new restaurants or music venue, clubs, a different beach or unexplored hiking trails. Don’t get stuck doing the same thing over and over again because it is familiar. Think outside the box and go for an adventure in your town.
Eat Like a King (or Queen)
Usually when we are vacationing we eat out all the time. I’m not saying by any means do that when you're at home, but I would encourage you, that when you do go out to eat, try a different restaurant each time. We tend to go to what we know, but this way you always get a chance to try something new, meet new people and have a food adventure to look forward to. Break the rules and indulge a little... it wont kill you. Do you love to cook? Explore different culinary recipes of places you'd like to visit.
Change Your State of Mind
To truly live like you are on vacation really starts with your state of mind. You have to find the enjoyment in the small things, like that first sip of coffee, your car windows rolled down on a beautiful day or standing at the edge of a cliff looking out at the ocean and realizing that all your “stuff” really isn’t that big of deal after all. Being on vacation brings us joy and freedom. It keeps us in the present moment. The only thing that keeps you from feeling that way in your every day life is you. Everything you do can bring you joy and freedom, even your job and if it doesn’t......
Quit Your Job
I know, I know, easier said than done, but if you are really not happy, find something that does make you happy. Maybe it's not the job, maybe its a relationship, where you live or your schedule. I know it’s cliche to say but you only live once. Do you really want to spend it in a cubicle or strapped to a schedule of “to-do’s” that aren’t for you? Move things around, have hard conversations, do what you need to do to create the life you want to live. Whether you are on an actual vacation or not, fill your life with meaningful interactions, belly laughs, delicious food, movement and fresh air. You don't need to travel to an exotic country to find that, it's right here.