5 fun ways to spend your time off

As summer ends, I’m realizing that some smart nurses have worked their schedules so their vacations begin RIGHT when school starts. They get the great weather but beat the crowds.
While many of us don’t always have a lot of time on our hands (or the control over our schedules) to relax, here’s just a few ideas for fun ways to spend your time off!

1. Get a massage – I talked about this in a previous blog, but really, it deserves to be repeated. We stress our bodies out day in and day out, and work and at home, so why not let a trained professional get out all those kinks and knots. Yes – go out and BOOK a massage, having your significant other rub your shoulders doesn’t count!
2. Get your face on –On that note, why not REALLY pamper yourself? How about a facial? It’s great for your skin and really makes you feel rejuvenated! It’s not just a girly thing either! Men, a facial can really help the skin on your face and neck -especially if you’re prone to irritation and burning after trying to get that close shave – just ask my fiancé! His neck was cleared up after just a 20 minute session!
3. Take a trip – Whether you have a weekend or a week – go someplace where you can just get away and relax. I’ve found that renting a cabin or house (try www.homeaway.com) can be more  cost efficient than staying at a hotel. Plus with a full kitchen, you’re saving money on meals you can eat at home – and it’s always nice to feel like you’re in your own home, away from home.
4. Camp out  on the land – if staying in a house or hotel isn’t for you, or not in your budget, why not go camping??  Sure there’s a bit more involved (planning meals, cleaning up, and pitching tents), but really, there’s something about roughing it and getting down to the basics that is relaxing… even if it’s only because it reminds you of being a kid. State park camp grounds can be rented for a very reasonable rate, and you can stay anywhere from the woods to the ocean!
5. Read a book – pick something that doesn’t involve a whole bunch of everyone else’s problems. You need a book that will take you to another place, another time, another life. I recommend something light (chick-lit anyone?) or something a bit deeper but that’s not too heavy (I LOVED reading “The Help” this summer!). You don’t want something that’s going to be too much of a downer, but transforming none-the-less.

There you have it…. 5 simple and amazingly fun ways to help us get our minds off of work and into another world, even if it’s just for a little bit. Try them out – I did! Remember that no matter how crazy our lives get, they are still OURs, and we need to take care of us too!