It’s that time of year here in New England. When the appeal of cozy-ing up by the fire because it’s winter goes away. The time of year when 50 degrees means windows down and jackets off. You literally crave the sunshine and longer days (we turn the clocks ahead in two weeks by the way!).
It’s also the time of year that many of us are flying to warmer parts of the world. To be surrounded by palm trees, white sand beaches, and a go with the flow vibe. Three years ago I had just returned from Puerto Rico, two years ago I was planning a trip to Belize, and last year I was getting ready for Jamaica. And this year? My next plane ride is six months away. That means I haven’t gotten on a plane in almost a year.
It’s funny. When you have this love for travel and you realize it really is sort of an addiction. The past couple of months I’ve felt like I’m going through withdrawals. I browse my social media feeds and feel this yearning to be anywhere but here. To be experiencing new places, meeting new people, immersing myself in a new culture.
Well when time, or money, or whatever the circumstance, prevents you from taking the next flight out of here there are a few things that can get you through this travel dry-spell.
- Plan weekend trips. Even if it’s just a night or two. I guarantee there are so many places within driving distance to you that offer something new and beautiful to see.
- Plan your next big trip. Whether it’s six months away or two years away. Plan it so that you can start strategically saving for it and now you have something to look forward to.
- Find adventures at home! Try out new restaurants, scout out new places to go for a hike or walk, visit a new town.
- Practice gratitude. Every morning for one week, as soon as you wake up, think about three things you are grateful for. You’ll be surprised at how especially blessed you are.
- Make a reverse bucket list. I had read about this a long time ago. Instead of listing out all of the places you have yet to see, make a list of ALL of the incredible places you HAVE visited. Break out the photo albums!
- Disconnect. Make it a point to put away the phone. Close the laptop. Spend some quality time with your loved ones. Have meaningful conversations. I dare you to do this for 24 hours.
- Create an oasis at home. Whatever gives you that relaxed feeling…flowers, candles, or simply a room that is just tidied up.
- Buy experiences. Not things. Research shows that people understand that making meaningful memories leads to happiness rather than just acquiring more ‘stuff’.
- Practice living in the present moment. Whether through meditation, practicing yoga, or finding five minutes for yourself at home.
- Get outside. Connect with nature. No matter where you are, breathing in fresh air cures almost everything.
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The Primal Yogi 