Have you heard of micro-vacations? I’ve read an article before about a guy who has been working in a hospital for psychiatric patients who always manage to go on micro-vacations every day off from work to release his stress and keep in touch with reality.

In the article, he was asked about the difference between vacations and micro-vacations. He said that micro-vacations are shorter than vacations (obviously from the word itself micro); it is as short as 12 to 36 hours or equivalent to a day or two. He also explained that micro-vacations are also called, city breaks or weekend breaks.

He cited few examples and pointed out that spending a day in a spa or even trying out new restaurants or coffee shops in the city are considered micro-vacation.

He also explained that anything which will make you revitalize and rejuvenate in just a very short period of time is considered a micro-vacation.

Why go on a micro-vacation?

More often during day offs, we usually handle things concerning household matters like cleaning the house, feeding the baby, paying bills, or simply stuck-at-home errands without realizing ourselves being more tired.

The feeling of, “F^*%, it’s Monday again…” now enters the scene when going back to work, which could most probably make us unproductive and easily annoyed.

Let me ask you. When was the last time you really took a break? As in, the last time you packed up, went to see a new place, tried a few new restaurants, or having a day in a spa to revitalize and rejuvenate? A micro-vacation doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go a beach or somewhere far as it will make you more exhausted.

Again, why we should go on a micro-vacation?

It is affordable. Instead of staying in an accommodation in a week or so, the number of days is being cut down to a day or two only, making it perfect for budget conscious and people with busy schedule.

Since the goals of taking micro-vacation is to be refreshed and revitalized, it will make you feel more productive, generate new ideas, and more efficient at work; therefore, helps you to be in a good mood and be more  mentally and psychologically healthy.

Micro-vacation ideas:

1. Have a short stay or cheap city breaks to an affordable but nice hotel for a day or two; preferably with free amenities to savor; then relax, sleep, and eat like a king or queen.You may also try “hotel-hopping” every week; who knows you might be an expert when it comes to best accommodation in your area.
2. For culture and art fanatics, visit the nearest museum in your city, wander around and be relaxed. After that, dine in one of the nice restaurants or coffee shops which you haven’t tried yet. If there’s hotel-hopping, there is also “restaurant-hopping” which you might want to experience as well.
3. A day in a spa therapy center. Go to one of the nearest spas from your house and try out their package. A usual package includes full body scrub, foot and body massage, sauna, and Jacuzzi.

My favorite part here is the orgasmic pressure points in foot reflex. Damn soo good!

All of us need some time off from work and repetitive tasks. We should take time for ourselves to be refreshed and revitalized to keep on top of our game. If we do not make that effort, most likely we are easily demotivated and crash.

I would love to hear some of your micro-vacation ideas as well that could perhaps add to my list. Any ideas?