Have you ever felt stuck in your daily routine? Suffocated by normality? Well, I work a full-time job, in addition to being a mother of two, and I am simply exhausted. I feel like life is passing me by. I feel like I am constantly on my feet. I just can’t catch a break. Can’t stop and smell the roses, as they say. I’ve been so busy and so caught up in my day to day routine that I forgot to live. I forgot to enjoy life and appreciate the small things that count the most.

I thought a lot about what I can do to de-stress, before eventually coming to this conclusion: I need a vacation. I considered my possibilities for a while. The first thing that came to mind was a getaway with the kids. But, let’s be honest, that would be even more difficult than my day-to-day routine. So, I ruled that out. I didn’t wish to go on a vacation alone because I would miss my home, partner, and kids too much. That’s when I arrived to my final option – I am going to take a vacation at home.

So that’s what I did. I went on a de-stress vacation at home for a full week, and it was everything I needed. When the first day of my break finally arrived, I didn’t have any idea what to do. My entire day was unorganized and didn’t follow any schedule. I cleaned the house, arranged my closet, cooked up healthy meals, and so much more. Funny enough, I ended the day beyond exhausted. Judging by that first day, my vacation wasn’t going as plan. At night, in bed, I decided I need to change things up. I needed to justify this little break of mine and really take a break from life.

On the second day, I gave something new a try. I meditated. It was everything I wanted it to be and more. I felt relaxed for the first time in a while, I felt more connected to myself, more whole. Following this positive experience, I continued meditating all throughout the week, and still continue to this day.

As the week progressed, I felt more and more intact with myself and knew I made the right decision. I managed to take care of so many things I neglected for so long. I met an old friend I haven’t seen in a while, I exercised, I caught up on a few TV shows, but most importantly it helped me value the things I used to take for granted. Greeting my kids back from school and sharing the afternoon with them gave me real joy and appreciation. What I considered to be a task and something that I must do just to get it out of the way became something I looked forward to all day. My relationship with the kids and partner improved! We learned how to communicate more and became much more relaxed.

This little break helped me a lot and charged me with new powers. It taught me very important lessons and was truly viable. Sometimes all we need is to stop for just a little, to take a break from our busy routine, and smell the roses.