The Value of Holidays.
One of the most beautiful things about living on the Cote D’Azur is the warmth and the sea. There can be a feeling of a permanent holiday living here with the wall to wall chic of the magnificent architecture, the pull of the sea, sun and sunbathing and the total indulgence of the senses with such delicious food. Nevertheless, how true still the old saying that, " A change is as good as a rest!"
Life brings change whether we like it or not. Although it is not always welcomed, it can move us on to new experiences so revitalising our sagging spirits. Wherever we are, taking a holiday provides a break in the day to day existence we create for ourselves
We desire many different things from holidays. For some of us, not having to set the alarm clock, relying upon our body clock to rouse us from restful sleep is one of the biggest and most liberating benefits of a holiday. Oh and not having to deliberate over what to wear for work! What a relief. Indeed, simply taking a holiday at home can be sufficient when the day to day life pressures are off. Occupation does not matter in the equation, a busy housewife or a stressed executive need to feel the release from pressure on a holiday.
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Stopping the routine of daily chores, job, housework and family commitments, removing the pressures of deadlines, timetables and school runs, is essential if real benefit is to be gained from a holiday. Focusing instead on different activities…, sightseeing, beachlife, shopping, boat trips, or just taking in the sun’s rays. Pleasure in change and relaxation!
The closer we get to nature, the more whole and healthy we feel. Taking time to indulge the senses, with the feel of cooling seawater and the hot sun on our skin. Soaking up the glorious countryside, foliage, blue skies and sea, opening our ears, to the sound of birdsong, waves and even the seagull’s cries.
This precious time for self-care should enable anyone to feel energized and eager for other activities. A massage, therapy or healing can help, giving the boost that is denied during the average hectic week. As pure indulgence on a sensory level, or a need to uplift that flagging feeling, it does not matter. Benefit will be gained whatever the need. The immune system will be boosted, tired muscles revived, but above all. But above all, mind, body and spirit will be balanced, leading to an increased sense of wellbeing. Setting aside a small amount of time on a regular basis form massage, therapy or healing can create a completely new and positive attitude to the future.
Wherever we go on holiday, unless it is a remote island, there are going to be a few unavoidable stresses in the form of crowds, traffic, noise and pollution. The scale varies according to where we are. One way of dealing with this is to accept what we can not change (or go somewhere more remote next time!)
Living in the moment, being grateful to be with family, for a short precious time, looking for the best in every person. This helps us to get through difficult or tense moments on holiday without saying or doing things, which will cause regret and the need to apologise later. Being conscious of the good in people, rather than looking at the negative, will lift the spirits.
Smile therapy works wonders too. It makes us feel good, it costs nothing and the recipient of our smile might really need it! Enjoying the day, not projecting to the end of the holiday will ensure that time isn’t wasted. Using every minute to the full so much can be achieved. Looking back, it might be amazing how much ‘change’ has been possible, The much-needed change of scenery, and who knows attitude will have paid dividends when the return to normality arrives all too quickly.