I Just Took the Longest Break I've Had in 2 Years. It Was 4 Days.

I found it very hard to switch off and it took me 2 days to surrender.

Super hard to remain present, and had a bit of a yearning to 'do some work'.

My vision for my life is simple.

💚To have enough time and money to spend with the people I love, doing the things I love.💚

I had both in this mini paradise, yet still my mind was busy, dominated by work planning, thinking, reflecting.

Eventually I stopped fighting and surrendered.

Here is what I did.
👇 Came back to present each time I wandered 💭
How does this sand feel? I wonder what fish are in that lake? I wonder if I could run up this? Trees are cool, I'll try and count the leaves!

⚖️Balanced the books.
If a work thought pops into my head, I made sure I put attention and intention into engaging with my next thoughts being non-work related and explored those.

🤔 I challenged my thoughts without judgement.
"Where are the facts and evidence to suggest that's how that might play out?"
and
"You have just set up some great things for when you return. You earnt and need this rest. Practice what you preach lad."

💭 Savour these moments you have built.
I've been building a career which fits into the life I want to lead, not the other way around. So the reminder to savour it and shelve 'work' was powerful for me.

I learned a few things over the four days.
✅I need more breaks.
✅I'm good at micro-breaks (mini breaks throughout the day) and meso-breaks (weekly breaks and the odd day switch off), but poor at macro (holidays).
✅I am on the right path.
✅I NEED to enjoy the ride a bit more, what will be will be.
✅France is stunning (despite seemingly shutting between 2-5.30pm 🤷🏻‍♂️)
✅Real rest & relaxation doesn't just happen, we need to be intentional about it.

Do you find it difficult to surrender to real rest and relaxation?