Last week, I went away with my wife (Sandra) for a short break to Italy. We spent 4 days in Rome exploring the history and beauty of this city. We walked for hours, queued for hours and paid to see everything we could. 16 years ago, when we last visited, there was a lot more that was free to see, so I didn’t like some of the changes but still enjoyed the experience.
If you have ever been there you will know that there are ‘street vendors’ offering local products to buy from bracelets and squashy, noisy toys, to paintings and bus trips. I was amazed by their dexterity and ability to adapt to the changes in the weather. One minute they were selling phone charging banks and phone holders and, as soon as the rain started, it was umbrellas and plastic macs that were snapped up. “Where did they come from?”
By the time it rained we had already walked for 5 hours and were settled in a restaurant, ready to have a late lunch and a well deserved beer. We watched the crowd pass by with their new brollies (tags still attached) rushing to their next destination. Tour guides, and following groups, battled through the pouring rain all wearing new plastic sheets in various colours! No-one worried about the rain, they just got on with their day because they had either a brolly or a plastic mac to shield them from the wet weather.
The knock on effect was, that these people, went on to spend money somewhere else visiting another historic site or popping into a cafe for a bite to eat. The place was still busy – people were resilient, still buying ice creams, throwing coins in fountains and queueing to buy tickets for another spectacular building.
The break away was just what we needed before the rush into Christmas. Sandra works in retail and, as usual, there is limited time off during the festive season and we will have a busy household with visitors, which is nice, but slightly, stressful.
I am looking forward to the ‘forced’ time off and to spend time with everyone but I think I need to look at a break away again soon, as the respite from the mayhem of daily life, is vital for our sanity.
Recharged, re-energised and ready to go, which is the expectation for us all, at work and at home.
What have you got planned for your rest and recovery next year? It doesn’t have to be travelling away, that can be stressful itself, but it is important to have time to decompress and look after your own mental health and wellbeing.
Top tips:
- Get your diary out.
- Plan something exciting to look forward to, every 6 weeks.
- Allocate your budget
- Book something!
- Book something else…
Have a fantastic week and I hope you are further ahead, than I am, with your Christmas preparations! 🎅🏼