At Crink, a client shared her experience of returning from a long-awaited vacation, only to find herself feeling no happier than before. Upon further exploration, she revealed that the primary purpose of her trip was to escape the overwhelming responsibilities of her roles as a classmate, mother, and employee, which had left her utterly exhausted. Despite having a good vacation, the moment it ended, and her daily routine resumed, the exhaustion returned to full force. This scenario is something many of us can relate to. Vacations and short getaways are often seen as the ultimate remedy to our struggles and stress. But do they truly deliver lasting happiness? Can they solve all our problems? The answer, unsurprisingly, is no. The stressors we temporarily leave behind are usually waiting for us when we return.
For most people, vacations are synonymous with one word: relaxation. It’s the time when we allow ourselves to be carefree and let go of daily routines. A vacation seems like a sweet escape—a break from the constant grind of survival. It gives us the freedom to either chase countless new experiences or simply slow down. Interestingly, studies suggest that planning a vacation can be just as exciting as actually going on one. Anticipating the trip, imagining the places you’ll visit, and the experiences you’ll have can boost your mood. And yes, vacations can temporarily make you forget your daily worries. They can serve as a much-needed pause from the everyday hustle. However, they’re not a magical cure. The truth is vacations cannot take away life’s difficulties or restore all the happiness you may feel you’ve lost. If you’re unhappy before a vacation, chances are you might feel an even greater void once you return. This was exactly what happened to our client. So, how did Crink support her in addressing this issue in the following sessions?
The key lies in taking ownership of your happiness. Rather than expecting external factors to bring you joy, focus on creating it yourself. Here are a few steps to get started:
Discover What Makes You Happy: Reflect on the activities, people, and moments that bring you joy. It could be spending time with your loved ones or indulging in your favorite hobby.
Break Down Goals: Set small, achievable goals for yourself. Instead of aiming for drastic changes, focus on incremental improvements that lead to a better version of yourself.
Practice Gratitude: Being Grateful for things happening in your daily life could help you create a new perspective and find your meaning and purpose in life. Acknowledging the positive aspects of your life could shift your mindset and do wonders!
Prioritize Regular Mini-Breaks: Instead of waiting for that long-awaited vacation, take shorter, more frequent breaks. Even a weekend getaway or a few hours spent doing something you love can have a significant impact on your well-being.
Create Daily Joy: Incorporate small moments of relaxation and fun into your everyday routine. A walk in nature, spending time with your pet or mindful practice can serve as tiny ‘breaks’ for your mind.
Vacations are wonderful, and they do provide a much-needed reset. But true happiness comes from within—from consistently working on yourself and finding joy in the journey. Don’t wait for a vacation to unpack your stress. Instead, make happiness a part of your daily routine. After all, the key to creating happiness is already in your hands.
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