Vacation Zen

How long does it take for the feeling of peace and contentment to evaporate after a good vacation? If you’re like us, probably not very long!

While it is essential to periodically take a vacation and completely disconnect, you should not have to wait for a vacation to get your Zen on!

Here are some tips for getting or keeping vacation Zen every day:

1. Focus – it’s demoralizing to have an action item list that is pages and pages long and impossible to complete. Get/keep your vacation Zen by deciding on the 3 most important things that need to be accomplished that day. When you get those 3 priority items done you can fill in the time with other activities of your choice.
    
2. Simplify – on vacation, objectives are clear and simple. Complexity comes into life when you pile routines on top of habits on top of assumptions. It’s a mess that can be addressed by a thoughtful evaluation of your routines. Be clear on the results you want to accomplish and assess whether the things you do support them.
    
3. Be Present – when you are on vacation you are present in the moment and experiencing life fully. During most workdays people get distracted, attempt to multi-task and go off on tangents! Bring some Zen into your workday by being fully present.
    
4. Disconnect – the best vacations involve technology that enhances the experience rather than intruding on it. Phones, tablets and mobile computers create constant connection that zaps your Zen. Disconnect to refresh.

You don’t have to wait for a once-a-year break – every day you can maintain your focus, simplify, remain present and periodically disconnect in order to get or maintain your Vacation Zen.