Everyone should get away alone at least once. Doing so packs a plethora of perks, including greater flexibility, more financial control, and improved confidence in yourself. What’s more, saying goodbye to your friends and family for a short time is a great way to take care of yourself. And if you’re just coming out of a bad relationship, recovering from a traumatic experience, or learning to live with grief, a by-yourself sojourn may be just what you need to hit the reset button.
Where to go.
Where you go is up to you, but do make a point to choose the location that is a stark change of scenery from what you’re used to. If you’ve never been that far south, try Lake Wylie! You are in for a treat, providing you pack appropriately. Flip-flops and sandals, a few swimsuits, and light-weight clothing are essential. If you’re coming in the summer, you might also want to bring a thin jacket for those times you’re indoors.
Look for accommodations that put you in close proximity to the sites you would like to see. This is one time when it’s okay to splurge. A nearby massage studio or spa is also a pleasant perk. When you are not sightseeing, make sure to have a good book on hand for those lazy afternoons.
Reinvent yourself.
When you go to an unfamiliar place surrounded by strangers, you have a unique opportunity to reinvent yourself. Changing your look, for example, can help you feel more confident. One simple way to do this is to dye your hair (red, for example, is a bold and daring color!).
A less drastic option that is just as effective is to treat yourself to a few new pieces of clothing for the trip. This could be anything from a pair of expensive sunglasses (you know you have had your eyes on them!) to a new swimsuit.
If you’re shopping for swimwear, spend some time looking at the different styles. Some are more flattering to different body types, and if you do not want to feel like all eyes are on you, you’ll need to make your selection carefully.
Other Tips For The Trip
Now that you have everything packed, know where you want to go, and have given yourself a confidence booster, you’re ready for the road. Here are a few additional tips to help you prioritize self-care while you are away:
- Don’t overbook your schedule. One of the best parts about traveling alone is that you are on your own time. You don’t have to wait for the kids to get dressed or your spouse to finish shopping. Plan some activities, but leave at least a few hours each day devoted just resting and recharging.
- Don’t take work with you. Let’s face it, we live in an age where being a working nomad is not only cool, it’s normal. But when you’re on vacation, it’s important to put your work in its place — which is not your suitcase. This is especially true if you’re in a management role. As ZenBusiness notes, studies indicate that the more people you manage, the higher your stress levels. They also indicate that taking a vacation is the best way to cut your stress levels, so leave all those obligations, files, reports, deadlines and meetings behind, and make the most of your getaway.
- Enjoy the outdoors. As Mental Floss points out, being outdoors has many health benefits, and it’s proven to improve your mood. If you’re heading to Lake Wylie, especially, you’ll want to soak up the sun and explore the beauty of the lake.
- Leave your phone behind. In today’s world, it’s difficult to unplug, but unplug you must. Everyone deserves the occasional moment of solace, and that is something you absolutely cannot get while connected to social media and text messaging. Greater Good notes a break from electronics will do you good in other ways, too, like better sleep and living more in the moment. Take home message: at least leave the phone in your room when you’re on the lake!
Planning your self-care getaway is exciting. But make sure to pack well, and enjoy all that surrounds you while you are away. Soak up every moment, and then start planning your next solo hiatus.
If you experience car trouble on your getaway, not to worry! Riggs Roadside Assistance is just a phone call away. Call 803-288-7376 to learn more about their 24/7 emergency towing and roadside service.