All You Need Is Love … and the Lake

Does trying to take time off seem overwhelming? If so, you are not alone. It is estimated that millions of Americans feel guilty when they take time off work. Yet with all the distractions we have these days, it’s never been more important to get away from it all. Use these six steps to be fully present and enjoy a retreat at the lake that is fun-filled, relaxing and memorable!

1. Be Still and Quiet first thing in the morning. Take 15–30 minutes of quiet time to reflect, meditate, or pray and organize your thoughts. Grab a cup of coffee and your journal and head outside. Maybe start with “I am so grateful and thankful that …” and write down three things and anything else that comes to mind. This will enable your mind to truly relax so you can be fully present. Inhale and exhale a few times, smell the fresh air, feel the breeze, hear the waves, listen to the birds, look at the beautiful sky and soak in the quiet after a busy week.

2. Clearly Communicate Expectations for family members and guests. You don’t need to do it all. Ask for what you truly need and enlist help. The goal is for you to feel replenished and relaxed, not drained and exhausted. If multiple family members or friends are invited then assign each family a meal night. Crank up the tunes and have fun in the kitchen or at your outdoor grill area, and be sure to assign kids items to make, too. Let people know what to bring and what is supplied and where things go (wet towels and bathing suits go here, dinner is provided but lunch is fend for yourself, etc.). After your fun-filled weekend, assign everyone a task to complete for cleanup or give the option to pool money to hire a house cleaner.

3. Drop the Distractions. In today’s frantic world, it’s easy to feel pressure to be available 24/7, but that’s not realistic to maintain a work/life balance. Give yourself permission to take the entire weekend off of social media and technology. I challenge you to take a courageous leap. No worky on the weekend—no checking emails, no responding to emails or social media. This allows you to be totally present with your family. Use a basket or a drawer to store phones; this includes the kids. Or set a timer for limited usage. Let’s face it: This is such a distraction from real life, and we all need some time away consistently.

4. Anchor In on Fam Time. In the hustle and bustle of life, family time is super important to adults and children. As humans, we all crave interaction, hugs and affirmations, so it’s important to make time to be together with loved ones. Do a family game night, exercise together, purchase a new outdoor game, ride bikes, walk or run, boat, ski or kayak. Physical activity and sunshine are great for everyone, and when you do things together, you build relationships at the same time. Win-win.

5. Rest. Get a lot of rest. Take a nap. Read a book. You deserve it.

6. Enjoy Every Moment. Life is precious. Don’t wait until later to plan that epic vacation or take more time off work to be with your family. These are the days to remember. Many blessings to you and your family as you enjoy fun-filled, belly-laughing, lazy days at the lake.

Many blessings to you and your family as you enjoy fun-filled, belly-laughing, lazy days at the lake.

Jessica Drewek is a purpose-driven Career Coach for crazy busy women and an Elite Life Coach. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Accountancy from Western Michigan University.