Going on vacation

Hello, fellow thinker!

Summer is almost here and so is our extended trip abroad. The kids worked so hard this year and were finally ready to take a break. Let’s talk vacation!

As I prepare for my upcoming trip, I find myself reflecting on the nuances of truly feeling on vacation. Originally, I planned to visit Uzbekistan, but the paperwork turned out to be more challenging than anticipated. So, my family and I have adjusted our plans. Instead, we'll be spending two weeks in Cyprus and a week in Istanbul. Rather than feeling disappointed, I’m actually relieved. The thought of returning to Uzbekistan didn’t excite me that much, and now I’m more excited about spending more time on vacation and less time flying back and forth.

In Istanbul, I can't wait to explore historical sites like the Aya Sofia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. Each of these sites promises a glimpse into the rich tapestry of history that Istanbul has to offer. Equally exciting is the prospect of driving around Cyprus, navigating the unique challenge of driving on the left side of the road. Beyond the thrill of exploration, I'm looking forward to some much-needed beach time and the chance to relax and unwind.

This year, work has been particularly intense. I’ve been saving my PTO days, leading to a significant buildup of stress. The longest vacation I’ve ever taken was ten days. Every year, I notice that it takes me about three days to start feeling like I'm truly on vacation. That means after three days of adjustment, that ten days is more like seven days. This time, I’m gone for three weeks. That’s a lot of days of not working. The most in my entire life. Looking forward to jumping in. This initial three-day transition period is influenced by several factors.

Firstly, there’s the mental decompression. After extended periods of constant productivity, shifting to a relaxed vacation mindset requires time for my brain to unwind. Our daily routines and work habits are deeply ingrained, and breaking away from them takes effort. Elevated stress levels from work also mean it takes a few days for cortisol, the stress hormone, to decrease, allowing my body to relax.

Psychologically, detaching from work-related thoughts can be challenging. I often find myself still thinking about tasks and responsibilities during the first couple of days. However, as I immerse myself in the vacation environment, my mind gradually shifts focus to the present moment.

Physical recovery is another aspect. Work can be physically draining, and my body needs time to recover from the toll it takes. Additionally, moving to a new environment like Cyprus or Istanbul requires an adjustment period for my senses to adapt to new sights, sounds, and experiences.

There’s also the matter of high expectations and anticipation. Initially, there’s pressure to relax and enjoy immediately, which can create a sense of urgency rather than relaxation. It’s only after a few days that I can let go of these expectations and simply enjoy the experience.

Once I overcome these initial hurdles, I start to fully recharge.

It’s as if I return to my core state, where I feel strong, can think creatively, and feel like a human being—not just a workaholic glued to a computer screen. During this time, I’m not serving others; I’m serving myself and focusing on my family, allowing us to reconnect and recharge.

Adding to the excitement, I just bought a new book by Jon Meacham about Lincoln titled “And there was light.” I’ve been studying history from various perspectives in chronological order. Having just finished the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, I’m now delving into the Civil War. Reading about Lincoln during my travels will be a perfect complement to my journey.

Furthermore, I’m looking forward to writing three letters of "The Sober Thinker" while on vacation. Writing in vacation mode will be interesting, especially since I’m supposed to be more creative when I’m relaxed.

As I embark on this journey, I’m reminded of the importance of taking time for oneself. Vacations are more than just a break from work; they are essential for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Here’s to exploring new places, creating lasting memories, and finding the balance we all need.

Do you have any vacation plans?

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Keep thinking, my friends!

⚠️ First Time reading? Catch up on all my letters here: https://soberthinker.beehiiv.com/