The importance of a change of scene - And how to make it happen.
The What -
Take a trip somewhere, or at least book one this week. Not got time or cash for a holiday? No problem. The trip can be anywhere for any length of time. Even walking your dog to a different park can count as taking a little trip somewhere new. Go for a drive to a place nearby that you've never been to before. Take a different bus route or try a new coffee shop. Anywhere new or different counts.
Just take a trip to somewhere new this week.
The Why -
A change of scenery can be like a breath of fresh air but how often do most of us actually do this? I know from experience how easy it is to fall into a cycle of work, home, eat, sleep and repeat. At first it's comfortable but after a while it's a bit of a snooze fest.
Often you hear people talking about that holiday they've booked for next year and how they can't wait to go and finally enjoy themselves and have a change of scene. That's great but that doesn't mean you have to stop taking trips between now and then! It's not as if you have to somehow save up time spent not going to different places, in order to earn the right to go to one different place a year.
If, when you think of having a holiday or taking a trip somewhere, you automatically worry about the cost, the time or how you don't have enough annual leave left this year to do that - you aren't alone. But mini holidays, local trips and new experiences can be built into our lives far more often, with just a little focus on planning them in. Plus, a mini holiday or day trip can usually be done without the need to hunt down your passport or get a bikini wax ;)
You could book an afternoon off work to go shopping with a friend, grab a sandwich from somewhere different on your lunch break or even explore like a tourist for a day in your own town. Of course, if you do have the time and funds to book an exotic holiday, absolutely please do that!
No moolah? No problem!
So here are some ideas for how to get more scenery in your life (especially if you're short on minutes and the moolah)
Walk to nearby places you would normally drive to
Visit that friend or family member you've not seen in a while
Check out the most Instagrammable places near you
Look for things to do around your area on Trip Advisor and plan in some local day trips
Normally walk your dog or take your kids to the park? Take a stroll in the woods instead
Have a holiday at home - visit great places nearby
Swap your haircut for getting your nails done instead
Take a different route to work
Spend an afternoon exploring a new part of your local area, like you're a tourist
When you're not on a schedule, find your way without using the sat nav (yep i'm serious - but don't try parking without using your bleepers though. That's just crazy)
Take your breaks somewhere different or take a quick stroll
I promise you, if you can fit in just one of these this week, that there's huge reward in the power of a change of scene. Even small tweaks to your daily routine that offer a change of environment can do the world of good to help energise your mind and body.
A short trip or just a change of route in a part of your day can help to relax your mind. A trip of any kind is essentially a break, even a quick wander when you're at lunch. And as a result, whether it’s a ten minute walk or actually taking a holiday – taking a break from the usual will improve your performance, when you return.
“Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret.” - Oscar Wilde
The benefits of a change of scene aren't just good for your mind, they can even bring about more physical movement, without you even really noticing. Say you decide to take a break outside or walk instead of driving to the shop - there's already some more physical activity built into your day. This also helps boost brain function, with the added bonus that spending time outside and getting closer to nature can reduce stress and help you to feel more alive and energised.
Out of the boxy-type thinking
A change of scene is really about giving your mind a chance to re-set but also to rest. When we feel rested, it tends to get those creative juices flowing and we become way more productive. Even our food metabolises better, our blood circulates more freely and our mood improves. So not allowing yourself a much deserved break, could basically be the difference between you being the absolute woman warrior that you totally actually are or instead feeling just a bit 'meh'.
All this applies on a day-to-day level too. So if you’re working on a difficult, lengthy project or something tedious, make sure you stop and give yourself a change of scene. Even a little trip away from your desk to make a cuppa counts. But if you can, try and make your little trip a bit more exciting than this. I mean come on, you're full of great ideas - so get all 'out of the boxy' in your thinking, where you can.
Taking a break from the usual routine and changing up your surroundings, no matter how small or big the change, really can have a significant impact on your well-being. The benefits, such as improved mood, increased creativity, and better physical health, make a change of scene a valuable investment in the most valuable thing you have - yourself. By implementing small changes in your daily routine, you can achieve a much-needed break from the daily grind.
So don't wait until the next big holiday to give yourself the gift of a change of scene. Take a trip somewhere new this week and discover the power it has to energise your mind, body, and spirit. And remember, you don't need an excuse to take a trip. A change of scenery is not a luxury but an essential part of you having the healthy and happy life that you deserve.
The Who -
This feather is inspired by the wonderful woman who has been my Step Mum for over 30 years (aka my 'Mummish'). She certainly knows the well-being value of a relaxing holiday and never fails to book another one as soon as the last one's ended! But she also fills her life in between the big annual holiday with fun trips, days out and changes of scene with those she loves to spend time with. I've no doubt that this plays a massive part in why she is one of the most positive and energised people I've ever been lucky enough to know.
Lou @ Feathered Paths Xx
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