For the past few days I have been on a therapist prescribed Staycation. In my last session I told my therapist I was feeling anxious and exhausted after the holidays. Every time one of my friends or family asked me to do something (fun things, things I’d normally enjoy), I’d get a wave of anxiety and a gut feeling that I needed to say no. My therapist reminded me that after periods of intense energy outpour, such as the holidays, I needed to recharge. Being an introvert, that meant I needed time alone. So she wrote me a prescription for at least two days off from social interaction of any kind.
There were some guidelines for this Staycation:
- I would practice suspension of judgement.
- I would practice mindfulness.
- I would do most to all of my twenty coping skills (everything from drink lots of water to exercise to deep breathing).
- I would not talk to anyone.
I told my family and some of my friends I was unavailable for two days, buried my phone in the laundry basket, took the clock off the wall, and practiced calming my frazzled nervous system.
The first day I had a few moments of panic. I’d remember approaching deadlines and calls I had to return and events I had to attend. I got into a real panic over the Christmas cards I hadn’t sent out (who ever gets those out on time anyway?).
The second day I settled into it. Last night I decided to extend my Staycation two more days because I could. Because it was helping, a lot.
What I’ve Taken Away:
- I love yoga. It’s yoga classes I can’t handle.
- Life can be fun, adventurous, meaningful, and whimsical. It’s not all struggle and strife.
- Mindfulness is hard. I find it easier to be mindful when I’m physically doing something – cleaning, walking, painting.
- I am really addicted to my phone and I don’t want to be.
- The present moment, without the past or future to cloud it, is kind of amazing.
I encourage everyone to try this, even if only for a few hours or a day. Do things that feed your body, mind, and spirit. Things that recharge you and heal you. This staycation didn’t cost me anything extra. I actually got more done than I normally would and I felt better doing it. My personal goal is to do thing every few months.