by Maria Rattray
http://www.freedompursuits.com.au/getaway
©
2009
I've just finished reading the most interesting article
written by a Canadian physician, Dr. Mel Borins, concerning health and holidays.
Though written quite a number of years ago, it has a clear message and is relevant
for many of us, today.
In the article he talks about the
ideal work setting for him, where he would have his practice in one building,
and right next door, he would have a travel agency. Allow me to quote from his
article.
"I've always wanted to open up a travel consulting
service next to my medical practice to counsel people regarding travel for health.
In this office I would take a complete history, do a physical examination and
appropriate diagnostic tests, and then according to your situation, I would prescribe
an appropriate vacation. I would take into consideration, your age, state of health,
financial capability, goals and needs. If you were out of shape, then trekking
in the mountains might get you down to your ideal weight, stimulate your cardiovascular
system, and tighten your flabby muscles. If you were suffering from burnout or
working too hard, then flopping down in an isolated island without television
might help rekindle the fire. If you were feeling spiritually drained, then spending
a few weeks in a Yoga ashram or a Tibetan monastery or a Christian retreat might
help you revive your spiritual connection and put you back on a spiritual path."
The
reality is that for many of us, health problems occur due to burnout. Sadly, many
people might not be aware of this, but it is often the case.
Think
about the last time you took a holiday. When was it? Where was it? What did you
do? How did you relax? I suspect that by now, quite a few of you will be cringing,
realising that it's been a long time.
The fact is that many
of us are unhealthily bound up in our work, so that over time, we have simply
failed to notice the stealth by which management has taken more than its fair
share of our life's pie! Is there a wake-uo call here?
Today,
health experts have come to the realization that holidays, short of being a luxury,
are an absolute necessity. We live life at a much faster pace than our ancestors
did. We work longer and harder and worse still, we often take some of our work
home. The Internet has a lot to answer for!
So if your life
is one of taxiing children around, rushing to work, staying late, and bringing
work home, then a holiday is vital if you don't want to end up in a doctor's surgery
a hospital bed, or worse still, a graveyard!
Taking regular
vacations forces us to relax and get out of the daily routines that are our stressors.
They are a sound way of recharging our batteries, getting our blood pumping, allowing
us to participate in a sport, and disconnecting ourselves from our regular stress-filled
living.
And here's a plus! Maybe, just maybe, in taking
a break, you might learn to re-connect with your partner and children, for the
reality is, there is far more disconnectedness in our lives today than ever before,
something that really needs addressing.
You know, holidays
are not about getting into debt, staying at five-star holidays resorts, and pursuing
opulent overseas travel. They are about people, about living in the now, and about
returning home feeling relaxed, with memories that will last a lifetime. Go on!
The time is NOW! Take a holiday!
