Holidaying at home

Every year, we promise ourselves that these summer holidays will be different.

Instead of the food frenzy and chaotic round of family functions, we will relax and return to work in a Zen-like state of tranquillity.

But once again the holidays have left us more frazzled than before and we find ourselves making the same tired joke: ‘I’ve come back to work for a holiday!’ But it’s not too late; you can have a refreshing break from the comfort of your own home. Here’s how …

Practise makes perfect: In our culture, we idolise busyness and productivity. Especially in the workplace, it’s how we gauge our value. Prepare your mind by giving yourself permission to relax. You can practise this at work—next time someone asks you if you’re busy, instead of rolling your eyes and saying, ‘Yes, as usual!’, surprise them by answering, ‘No, I’m enjoying a good, balanced pace.’ This will start training your mind to believe that balance and rest is of equal value to busyness, and you can take that mindset with you into your at-home holiday.

Put it in the diary: This sounds simple, but it’s essential to book out at least a whole weekend, exactly as if you will be out of town. Say no to all invitations (see our Q&A on page 9 for tips) and remember that the phone is optional. If someone knocks on the door, run a bath and pretend you didn’t hear them (this has the added value of feeling a bit naughty.) You are not at home!

Get away from it all: Think about what you would do if you were staying at a bach? Would you read magazines, go for a walk, run a marathon, or sit and stare at the walls with a cup of tea? Be honest with yourself about what makes you feel truly relaxed, and don’t feel bad about doing exactly that. This may require a little planning, like finding somewhere new for a walk or going to the library to get some books or magazines. Or you may choose to do something a little different—like turning off the TV on Saturday night and curling up with that book you’ve been wanting to read. Doing something differently makes it feel like an occasion, but make sure any plans are restful.

Include the family: Okay, you probably can’t take a holiday from your family, so include them in your weekend ‘away’. Get everyone to think of what they enjoy doing and choose one activity each. Keep away from big excursions (unless that really is your thing), but go scootering, watch a movie, eat an ice cream. Remember, you’re on holiday, so the kids can have a break from their usual weekend activities. Get easy meals from the supermarket, and tell the family, ‘This weekend we are on holiday!’  

And finally, rest: When Jesus blessed his disciples, he said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives’ (John 14:27). While our culture expects busyness and striving, learning to be at peace is a gift from God. The spiritual discipline of rest is the ‘holiday’ that we carry with us. It sounds heavenly; now, if only we could find time to book it in ...

By Ingrid Barratt (abridged from War Cry, 9 March 2013, p11)