By Jean Chatzky
Every time you turn around it seems like someone else is going on vacation. Your best friend is at Disney with the kids. Your college roommate is posting pictures of the tropics on Facebook. Even your hairdresser is talking about the tricked-out beach house she’s renting this summer. But whether it’s your funds, your boss or your schedule that won’t allow it, you just can’t get away.The benefits of that elusive vacation, however, can be yours. You don’t have to spend $3,000 to de-stress. You don’t even have to leave home. (Personally, I think that all the packing and airports –- yes, I’ve had the pat-down -- and hassle of traveling are sometimes more stressful than the average day at the office. It can be really good to avoid all that.) What you do need is a break.
It’s good for your body, your mind, and your soul. Constant working, says Tony Schwartz, author of Be Excellent At Anything, leads to stress hormones filling our bodies. That actually makes it harder to think clearly about the big picture and to focus on everyday tasks. The good news is that there are many, many ways to catch that breather without breaking the bank. Here are my favorite strategies:
Get rid of the guilt. The number one thing you need to do is allow yourself to have a break. I know how hard it can be to step away from the office, especially in this economy. You don’t want to get behind, you don’t want to weaken your performance. But taking time out to recharge your batteries -- without fretting about the office -- will leave you feeling refreshed. The fabulous Suzy Welch once told me she believes guilt is a “useless emotion.” I try to hold onto that.
Spend time wisely. Whether you snag 24, 36, or 72 hours off, use that time to do something you’re truly passionate about. Turn off your phone, set vacation reminders on your email and voicemail, and do something you (not your spouse, not your kids) love. It might be golf, or swimming, or even biking. You could even start an entire book -- and then finish it.
Splurge for something special. " We’re only visitors here,” my accountant said to me recently, explaining why he and his wife splurged for Paul McCartney tickets. “And our stays are too short. You have to make every moment count.” I think he’s totally right. So set a budget you can afford, then find a great dinner that falls within those lines, or theater tickets, or a night out dancing. The point is to treat yourself.
Be a tourist, in your own town. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but I always like to reiterate it: re-discover your own little corner of the world. If you’re lucky enough to live near a major city, make like Ferris Bueller and hit up all the sites. Pretend you’re a tourist. Even after 20-plus years of working in New York City, I still like to go with my kids and explore Times Square (or better yet, the new High Line park). Looking at something with fresh eyes can make you feel fresh and new!
Delegate and de-stress throughout the day. If you really-absolutely-cannot-no-WAY-Jose take a few days off, the least you could do is lighten your load a little. You see all those summer interns running around? Recruit one to take over your scheduling, and have them tackle the filing while they’re at it. Allowing other people to do the tasks that are “non-essential” will give you some extra time during the day in which you can (and should!) go for a quick walk in the sun. Practice some yoga breathing exercises. Maybe even leave a little bit early and spend that newly-gained time cooking a healthy meal, or better yet, catching up on sleep.
Jean Chatzky, award-winning journalist and best-selling author, is the financial editor for NBC’s Today, a contributing editor for More Magazine, and a columnist for The New York Daily News. She blogs daily at JeanChatzky.com.
