Get away from it all sometimes

I feel much more vigorous for having had a week’s holiday. Two weeks – or even, oh luxury, three – would have been even better but actually my whole life since the end of June has been a holiday of sorts, so I really can’t complain.

However much you enjoy your daily life, though, it’s good to get away from it sometimes. For me, being far from my accustomed surroundings gives me perspective and allows me to be more creative. It helps me to realise things I couldn’t see before, because I was too close to them, to consolidate my thinking and to make any big decisions I need to make.

If you’re a workaholic, do bear in mind that a proper holiday once in a while actually makes you more productive when you get back to work. Rather than pushing yourself on and on relentlessly, give yourself some time off and you may be surprised with what new vigour - and perspective - you return to work. If you want to think outside the box, you’ve got to get away from your four walls occasionally.

Leaving quotidian concerns behind gives me time and space to give My Self more priority. I start to take more interest in what I’m eating, to feel free to spend hours walking or swimming without feeling I ought to be working. I enjoy challenging myself, both physically (mountain-hiking and so on) and psychologically (for example, by finding my way on public transport across a city I’ve never been to before). All this brings me an enormous sense of wellbeing. As I’ve mentioned, this revitalises me and makes me more creative and insightful. It also reminds me that these things are important and that I need to give them more priority in my daily life as well.