STRONGER TOGETHER: Keeping the holiday vibe

"STRONGER TOGETHER" is a weekly column where Tanya explores key issues. This week Tanya discusses the benefits of keeping the holiday vibe alive in your day-to-day life.

By IMPACT Community Services Managing Director Tanya O'Shea

There is nothing quite like some time away to strip back the layers of stress and recharge our batteries. Recently returned from a two-week holiday in Tasmania, I took the opportunity to bask in my renewed energy and considered the conditions that my holiday vibe created that enabled me to feel an increased sense of calm.

A sense of deeper connection with those around me, having unscheduled time to explore and create, space to sit, relax and just be. Without any expectations of having to be anywhere or doing anything. Without constantly checking the time, emails, or voicemails.

Unfortunately, for many of us, holidays only come around one or two times a year and as a result, the benefits that we generate from this break can be relatively short-lived. Unless of course, we make a conscious decision to introduce that holiday vibe into our everyday life.

What would it take to create the optimal environment to bring those elements of your holiday to life during a regular week?

If you had an hour, could you read some of that book that has been on the coffee table, do a crossword, explore the rock pools at Barolin Rocks, catch up with a friend for a coffee, go for a bike ride from Bargara to Burnett Heads, walk around the Botanical Gardens or eat out at one of our amazing local restaurants?

If you had a spare day, could you visit one of our beautiful beaches, head out on the Lady Musgrave, take a hike up Mount Walsh or go for a swim at Utopia Falls?

While it is nice to get away, my recent holiday reminded me that I don’t need to be away from my home to create a holiday vibe. Nor do I have to spend a lot of money.

We live in one of the most beautiful places in Australia and have access to an amazing environment on our doorstep. Surrounded by beaches, parks and gardens, bike paths, restaurants and cafes, easy access to fresh fruit and vegetables, and spectacular weather! Each day, we have an opportunity to access parts of our environment for free, a beautiful environment that does not require you to be on a holiday to appreciate it.

Personally, I am a planner, so I remain connected to my holiday vide by ensuring that there are always things in my calendar to look forward to and be grateful for. Things that make me smile or create space to reset and remember the things that are most important to me.

What do you need to do to create your own holiday vibe? Perhaps it is planning regular weekend activities, scheduling time with friends or creating new routines that are aligned to your goals or values. Maybe it is doing some research to find out what is available in your local area.

Whatever it is, I hope that it is something that brings you joy and creates a vibe that consistently instils a sense of calm and gratitude, even when you’re not on holidays!