We like to go on vacations to get away from school, work etc. But whilst we’re out there, we are still being glued to our screens, sharing how awesome the vacay is, through unrealistic moments pictured in photos we share. But all we have done is took hundreds of photographs to choose one and spend another few hours editing it. Just to show off to other people, who (trust me on this one) do not actually care.
In this life ordered by social media it’s just too difficult to get outside and actually enjoy being somewhere without the technology that we now take for granted. Picking up wild flowers, looking at the views (not the online ones, the real ones). Just try and ask yourself:
When was the last time I was present?
Think about your answer. Is it hard to actually recall this activity? If not then congratulations. You are one of the lucky ones.
Now you have to be asking yourself: Oh, what does this one know about it, huh?
Well, probably as much as you do. I’m not saying I don’t go on my phone for hours and hours per day. Unfortunately I do (thanks Screen time). But I am trying to change this habbit.
Not going to lie. It is hard. Like really really hard. So I set up a list of 10 things to do whilst you’re on your vacation. It doesn’t have to be a week or two long. Right now, as I am writing this, I’m at my cottage in the mountains for the weekend. And I am trying to be present. Now, yes, as I’m writing this I am on my computer. BUT. This for me is productivity. Expressing myself and my feelings. Writing them down. Mostly onto a list in a notebook. Not now though because I wanted to share it for once.
No. 1
Go for a walk
A short 15 – 20 minute power walk has the power to release enough endorphins to lift your spirits for the next few hours.
That quotaition says it all and I can only agree. It doesn’t matter if you have a dog, you can go simply by yourself. It is so nice just to turn off and go. Go where your legs take you. Trust your intuition.
No. 2
Go and have a picnic
What? A picnic by yourself? Well, YES! I feel like most people don’t like spending time by themselves anymore. Ion the other hand love it! Being by myself running through my thoughts. Thinking about the past, present and future. Take a good book or a journal and reflect on what has been happening in your life. Has it been all going according to your plan that you once made? Probably not. What can be better? How can you improve yourself?
Also, this is a picnic. You should treat yourself to a good food. Maybe your guilty pleasures? My guilty pleasure (eventhough it’s healthy) has been anything avocado. Avocado toast, avocado paste served with bread, regular guacamole with some garlic bread. Justanythingavocado. And one of my favourites, tomato (pronounced the english way please) aswell.
No. 3
Try a new recipe
I’m not fully a vegan nor vegetarian (even though I’m getting there, slowly but surely) but when I try new recipes they are most likely vegan. I honestly see the improvement in my body since I’m trying to cut out meat from my diet. I feel much better spiritiually but also physically.
Today I tried some cauliflower “pancakes” served with potatoes. Simple but yummy.
No. 4
Yoga/Meditation
I have never really tried any of these two activities but I’ve wanted to visit a yoga class for so long now. So for now I’m OK with just sitting down in a field, closing my eyes and trying to think about nothing. Clear up your whole mind for as long as you can.
No. 5
Cloud gazing
One of the most boring and interesting things to do outside. Let your imagination free. Lay down in the middle of a field or whereever you want to, and just look up. Think. Don’t think. Whatever your heart desires.
No. 6
Study or work outside
These vibes of the outer world. Inhale the fresh air. Let it slip through your hair. Can you feel the inspiration building in your inner self?
Studying and working can be a really stressful thing to do sometimes. Why not make it a bit more peaceful? Turn all your devices off, unless you have to work on your computer of course. And you will be amazed at how you can actually likedoing these things.
No. 7
Read a book
You might sometimes feel like you’re missing out on something. Sitting and looking into a sewed pile of papers. I know that even though I love reading (I mean like LOVE), it can sometimes be hard to focus. If you’re like me, then try to let this feeling go. Dive into these pages.
No. 8
Paint or sketch
I became loving this activity so much. It’s up to you if you’d like to use watercolour or ink. I love both. In the past few months though I prefer ink. Mostly I like to sketch some photography I took somewhere. Firstly with a pencil and then going over it with a fineliner. One day I’d love to be confident enough to just look at something and transfer it onto a paper. Someday hopefully!
No. 9
Have a bonfire
I totally love bonfires! It just brings back memories from children camps or those summer nights spent with friends. Get some marshmallows or just listen to the crakling wood.
No. 10
Star gazing
Kinda similar to cloud gazing but in my opinion it’s totally different. Find a peaceful spot where you will get an uninterupted view of the sky. You can see the depths of our universe just like that. Especially in the mountais. If you pay enough attention, you can even be lucky to see a falling star!
Maybe you find this list a bit clichè. Oh I know it definitely kinda is. But you know, you can find many more ways to enjoy your own company. These are just a few ideas where you can start.
References and quotes were borrowed from Annie Tarasova’s Raise Your Vibration Card Deck that has inspired me to write this post.