We recently returned from a holiday in New York.
It was my 6th visit to New York so instead of doing all of the usual touristy things – like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Empire State Building etc, we slowed it right down and took things at a leisurely pace.
Our days in the Big Apple usually began with an early breakfast and after that we’d go for a stroll around Manhattan or people watch from a café. We chose to do just one activity (mostly) per day. An evening jazz event at the Lincoln Center (highly recommended), a stroll along the High Line – including sitting with our bare feet at the point where there is cold running water (wonderful on a hot day), a very leisurely stroll in Central Park, an unhurried visit to the free (no need to join a queue!) sections of MoMA, and eating gourmet ice-cream.
We continued our unhurried theme right up until we boarded our flight, arriving at JFK many hours before our flight. Bliss!
A new outlook on the day job
Since returning, I’ve had a whole new outlook on life at work (the day job) – and I find myself in a perpetual state of chill. A colleague friend remarked that I seem more up-tempo and happy since returning from holiday.
I believe that the trip is the reason for this change of outlook. Maybe it was New York itself and/or the people we met, spoke to and spent time with while there. Maybe it was the great weather, and that feeling of freedom that comes with waking up every morning knowing that I didn’t have to log on to find out what else has changed on the digital project, I didn’t have to read any work emails or Teams messages and I didn’t have to spend huge chunks of my day stuck in long work meetings discussing design changes.
Most of all, I have resumed my sessions with my coaching clients with renewed vigour and even more enthusiasm. It's a win-win.
I’ll concede the possibility that a holiday somewhere other than New York – perhaps anywhere – may have had the same effect, but there’s really no knowing for sure.
What really matters is that I have experienced how much I have benefited from taking a well-earned break and how this benefits my coaching clients.
I feel refreshed.
And by this I mean I have more energy and I feel more able to deal with challenges of the day job.
As someone who works mostly from home and mostly on-screen all day, the change of scenery has been hugely beneficial too.
Energised
It seems obvious now but who would have thought that swapping a computer screen for in-person interactions would feel so good? Or that the simple act of putting on a bright, summery outfit and sandals each day before heading out of a hotel at a leisurely pace would bring a smile to my face?
I really do believe that a change of scenery, plus a non-routine day have energised me and helped me to be ready to move forward with my many projects – with real intention and positivity.
But most of all I feel rested. And by this I mean rested in the wider sense. I have taken a rest from what I usually do, and yes, I have physically rested. But I have also rested the parts of me that seem to be always on when I am at work.
Guess what?
I’m already planning my next break….
Debbie
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