For the last several years, I have worked very long days and
became used to very little sleep. I amazed to what the human body can become
accustomed. During the little time that I did get off, I would try to find
something entertaining and relax if nothing important was pressing. I took a
nap on most of those days. However, during those naps, I would only get about
five minutes of actual sleep. It was enough to refresh me for the next few
hours.
I took a vacation last week. The first three days of vacation, I
attended a conference. Now I know most people do not consider that a vacation,
but it is a time that I am able to see some friends that I only see once a
year. It is also a time to get away from all the responsibilities at home. I
used the remainder of my vacation playing tourist in my hometown. I enjoyed
several things for the first time or for the first time in a long time.
Some people never take vacations. They do not want to fall behind at
work. They have too many responsibilities. Vacations are too expensive. I have
heard all of these excuses and more. However, I believe time off would benefit
everyone. The companies that hired us survived before we worked there, and they
will survive while we are gone. I believe the benefits of taking a break
outweigh the troubles we think it may cause.
Physically, the rest is refreshing. I may have only slept six or
seven hours a night while on vacation, but that is much more than I normally
get. I feel refreshed. I feel awake. I am ready to start the day with more
energy than I have in a while. I feel like I can do much more now than I did
only a week ago with the renewed energy.
Mentally, I was able to reset. I enjoy my job, but sometimes it is
a strain. I was able to separate myself from my job. None of the worries
consumed me. I have not always been able to get away and not think about the
problems waiting for my return. There are times I had to force myself not to
think about the job, but my mind was mostly job-free. I thought about the
questions “where to eat”, “what to do”, and “do I want to get out of bed”. This
week was a much-needed mental vacation that allowed me to rid myself of certain
frustrations and attitudes that had become a part of me.
A person has three parts: body, mind, and spirit. Often, we take
care of the first two but forget about the most important part.
This week was also a spiritual refreshing. It was a time when I
could step away and appreciate what God has done for me. It was a time to get
my mind off me and look closer at God. Too often, we focus on what and who we
are rather than how great He is.
When we take a break, let us not forget to take care of the whole
person. Do not think the world will fall apart without you. When you return,
you can be refreshed. You can come back with more energy. You can have new or
renewed vision. You can even have an improved attitude.
Take some time to take care of yourself.
