The Magic of Travel: Resetting the Mind

Today marks my first day back in the office after 32 days away. The autoresponder emails are off, the automated posts have ended, and I’m excited to finish out 2023 strong!

One of my biggest goals this year was to take the entire month of September off for my wedding and honeymoon. My husband is my absolute best friend, and I wanted to be fully present for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was the best decision I’ve ever made—my family was happier, my husband was overjoyed, and I’ve never felt more content. Taking this time allowed me to be truly in the moment, and I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for every small experience.

In seven years of running Hocus Pocus Cleaning Service, I had never fully unplugged. I was always answering emails from the beach or taking calls during vacations. It was exhausting. Having the right leadership team in place made all the difference—this September, I only worked a total of 30 minutes. Now that I’m back, I feel reinvigorated, with a fresh perspective for our team, our clients, and our community.

In the hustle of our careers, it's easy to get swept up in over-productivity. We push ourselves to achieve more, to do more, to be more. But have you ever considered the toll this relentless productivity takes on your mental health and well-being?

Over-productivity is a double-edged sword. It drives us to succeed and helps us reach our goals, but it can also lead to burnout, stress, and stifled creativity. Finding balance is crucial. It’s a lesson I’ve been working on for over three decades, and I’m learning what works best for me.

Travel is about more than just visiting new places—it’s about resetting our minds, rejuvenating our spirits, and reigniting our creativity. When we travel, we leave our comfort zones, immersing ourselves in new cultures and experiences. Whether it's meeting new people, tasting different cuisines, or simply seeing the world from a different perspective, travel broadens our horizons in ways that work can't.

Disconnecting from work is essential for mental health. It allows us to relax, recharge, and return with a renewed sense of energy. For me, taking that time to disconnect and be fully present in my experiences not only benefited my personal well-being but also gave me a fresh perspective for my business.

Travel can also spark creativity. As a business owner, I’m always looking for fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Experiencing new environments exposes us to different ways of thinking, fueling our creativity and problem-solving abilities.

If you find yourself caught in the cycle of over-productivity, consider taking a break and embarking on a journey—bonus points if you unplug completely. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, taking time for yourself can work wonders for your mind. Not only will it change you for the better, but it will also allow you to bring the best version of yourself back to your team.

Productivity is important, but so is your well-being. Don’t let the pressure of always doing more overshadow the joy of your work. Take time to disconnect, reset your mind, and reignite your spirit.