Plan Your Escape From The Land Of Shoulds

Escaping from the "Land of Shoulds", is a ritual, an annual rite of passage. It usually lasts 7-14 days and it is typically a summertime activity. I call it escaping, most call it vacation. During that time, strange things happen...

None of your friends or family calls or stops by the house because they know you are on vacation.

The boss does not expect you to attend the weekly staff meeting and coworkers happily cover for you. After all, you are on vacation.

Your neighbors feed your dog, pick up the mail and turn the porch light on each night. They have always taken care of things while you are on vacation.

Why call it "Escape from the Land of Shoulds"? Because it seems to be the one and only time we allow ourselves the luxury of doing exactly what we want to do without anything or anyone standing in our way. Obligations, chores, work, all of it gets put aside. It is a wonderful gift we give to ourselves.

Lately, the topic has come up with a few of my coaching clients about whether or not they should (ugh...that word again!) take a vacation. Travel is expensive and money is tight. Some fear their employers will question their commitment, others wonder if it is fair to burden their coworkers by leaving, even for a few days.

So here's the question....

What are your plans to escape, relax and recharge your battery?

If a full blown vacation isn't in the cards there are still a few things you can do to get away this summer. If you are interested, grab your calendar. Choose one week of the month and boldly label it "vacation". During that one week, follow these simple rules:

1. Do not go into the office early and do not stay late. You have plans. Remember, this is only for one week. You can do this.

2. Do not check your personal or business e-mails at night. That includes not checking your CrackBerry or MePhone either! All e-mails will be waiting for you in the morning.

3. Do not make or take any personal or business phone calls at night. You are simply not available and will happily call them tomorrow.

4. Do not work that weekend...period. No cheating on this one!

5. Extend all the invitations you want to friends and family, but do not accept any unless it is something you truly want to do. This is not the week for shoulds.

6. Do as little cooking, cleaning and laundry as humanly possible. If you do not have help cleaning your house regularly, hire someone for that week. It will be worth it, I promise!

If you commit to these few things just one week a month through the summer, you will feel the difference in your stress level. You will have more time and energy to do the things you want to do. That my friend, is what a vacation is for.

Faithfully do this for a few months and you may end up creating your own monthly ritual. Think about how great it would be to take one week every month and focus on you, your family and the fun you plan together.

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