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Time for a
Getaway!
By Dianne Pettis, MS, FNP-BC
The Truth Contributor
Fifteen years ago, I
thought it would be a good idea to treat myself to a
massage. I got positioned on the massage table, and as soon
as the masseuse touched me, he asked (exclaimed), “So when
is your vacation??”
The stress in my life was
quite evident in my muscles, even though I thought I was
okay and handling things. He tried to knead, press and
squeeze the tension from my muscles. I endured the painful
session because, after all, he had been Jane Fonda’s
personal masseur. “He must know what he’s doing,” I thought.
I was in the worst pain ever for over a week. It was so
traumatic that I haven’t had a massage since.
Life can be stressful
– more at certain times than others. I’ve been a big fan of
taking time for rest, relaxation, and meditation but even
after 15 years, that masseur’s voice still pops into my
head…”So when is your vacation?”
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Dianne
Pettis |
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I’d been having that
need-to-escape feeling, so I planned my first “real”
extended vacation since the 1990’s. Not even Winter Storm
Jonas was going to get in my way. I made it to Virginia
Beach just before the snow buried Washington, DC. I
experienced joy, rest, peace, relaxation, fun, play, sleep,
naps, release and spontaneity. I was in my Happy Place!
Stress is a part of
life. Our bodies expected it and know how to deal with it
but constant stress is harmful. Constant stress is at the
root of many chronic physical and emotional illnesses.
Taking a break – as in ‘Vacation’ – can bring the body,
mind, and spirit so many benefits.
The intent of a
vacation is to relax. Relaxation is defined as the absence
of physical, mental, and emotional tension. When you are
relaxed, a calming effect takes over. There are less stress
hormones produced, which has a healing effect on the mind
and body, even down to the cellular and DNA levels.
Expect to have
decreased anxiety, pain, muscle tension, irritability and
anxiety. You should notice that your sleep, mood, and
creativity should improve. Although ‘staycations’ can be
helpful, a retreat from your usual surroundings is necessary
for the best healthful benefits.
Let go of the guilt
of leaving it all behind. Even as adults, we need to have
time to play and laugh with reckless abandon! Play is not
just for children. It seems as though once we get into the
world of ‘working’, we tend to think of play or recreation
time as just a diversion or a waste of time.
However, it’s during
those times of play and recreation, when we can re-create,
refresh, recharge, refocus, and relax. Play for the sake of
pure enjoyment, not competition is relaxing. A good belly
laugh is followed by the brain’s release of endorphins which
help to decrease tension in your muscles. Even not having to
pay attention to time while you’re away can be healing.
So, don’t do what I
did – wait decades to take a real vacation! Make a
guilt-free decision to take some time for yourself. Go
somewhere, with or without companions. Get away and
re-charge. You’ll come back a better person. Be better this
year. Your body will thank you, and your loved ones will
thank you.
Dianne Pettis, MS, FNP-BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
724-375-7519
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