A few days ago I talked about my weekend away in Talbach and how wonderful it was to leave technology alone for a while.
The more and more I talk to people, the more I hear about the requirement for holidays, massages, TLC and other stress relieving things. Most of the people I talk to are between the ages of 25 and 32, work in the technology industry and work more hours than they probably should. They’re all successful for their ages.
The reason I bring this up is because I feel that a great deal of us are working incredibly hard, the information overload is quite incredible and managing it all takes years of experience. Without finding a good balance between work, life, love, pleasure and so forth can land you in a tricky spot. Ask yourself this question – When last did you go for a massage or a weekend away, or even a walk on the beach? If you haven’t done either, then it’s probably a good time to book a massage or take a long walk :)
I want to hear from all of you though – When last did you do something really relaxing and what was it?
Last weekend was my relaxing weekend away at Vermaaklikheid. Kind of got next weekend booked for Hermanus and apparently schools back on sometime soon so hopefully it will be quiet down that side. Nothing like a long walk down the beach :)
Def think a good massage is in order though, havent done one of those in ages!!
Know any good spots chris?
I’m in the restaurant game, and I’m the Operator for my store and I work 12 hour days, five and a half days a week, not including about an hour and a half travelling every day.
What I need is some intense stress relief on a weekly basis.
I’ve had massages, only to have the knots of stress and tension creep in the next day..
Any suggestions for short, intense stress relief with longer-term benefits?
Was away for my wedding anniversary about 3 weeks ago, took 2 days of from work and headed up the west coast to Langebaan, Calypso Beach for a few days. Felt like a new person when I returned, but had a ball with no technology around me.
Ye @Craig, schools are heading back in a week or two, so things will settle down and us “oldies” can get some peace and quiet ;) As far as massages go, watch this space, I got an announcement coming soon ;) Sshhhh
@Alessio – Shame, those are some crazy hours, I can relate! Have you considered Yoga, that seems to be the thing everyone keeps suggesting to me..
@Gerhard – Congrats btw. I really need to head to Langebaan again, it’s been a couple years since I visited that area of the Cape – great place! I must admit, as addicted to technology as I am, getting away from it for a little is awesome. Mind you, not really just technology, but it’s the information overload and constant data flying at my eyes and mind..
Chris I think you are on to something. Especially mid-winter. Last year around about this time my special other and myself were treated to a weekend at the Zorgvliet Spa in Stellenbosch. The experience saw me through the rest of winter and well into summer. The whole break and spa thing should be something we all do at least once a year.
I find that when I fly it is the only time to really escape technology. There is something exhilirating about no one being able to reach you and vice versa. Whenever I fly anywhere that is my technology free time and I absolutely love it.
Oh wow, took a look at the Spa you went to and it looks magical! I concur, it’s so very important – we all work so hard and need to learn to use some of the hard earned money to treat ourselves so that we can push ourselves to limits :)
@Marianna_B – That’s an interesting thought. I find myself being able to escape 99% when I go away and leave the DSL connections at bay and force myself to only tweet a couple times a day ;)
I will keep my eyes peeled for that Chris…
Actually after readin some of these post Im more then excited to get out again! wil be good :)
@Craig – Good stuff :) Ye, I obviously have a hidden reason for doing this post, but a big part is that I wanted to hear what people were doing and where they were going, because we can all learn :)
Love social media, eat social media, live social media! Oops, wait, we’re meant to be thinking of ways to get away from it ;)
2008 :(
2008?
Taking a bit of time out is but a vague historical memory. I work in the media industry as a qualified journalist/ editor and cannot remember when last I paused, took a deep breath and enjoy what life has to offer. Living a balanced life seems to be out of my vocabulary and every thing just seems fast paced. The more I think about it the more I yearn for some time out, time to relax, time to revitalize and renwe my spirits. But as nature has it, our bodies cannot cope with the daily pressures too long, that is why I am thinking of taking a break (heaven knows where, when and how), I have actually started, every Thursday me and my grilfriends have our book club sessions direct after work, amazing books, great conversation, mouth- watering food and excellent wine! Guess, we all need to start somewhere…
The high you feel after an hour’s yoga class is pretty intoxicating, it’s amazing how much peace you gain after not thinking about anything for at least an hour. But my ideal would have to involve: an ice bucket, with a bottle of Bollinger inside, a white fluffy robe, the winelands in winter – roaring fire, plenty of books and a plethora of chocolate and other such indulgences. All this after a two hour massage… Oh dear I am going to go and die a little now!
Spas are definitely great places to go for a bit of TLC. My man and I went to a spa last Friday – he fell asleep and missed 99% of it though but I guess that’s means it was very relaxing? Thing is, you don’t have to go to a spa to feel relaxed – just getting outdoors and away from the computer can do wonders!
Define holiday, and define relaxation.
I’m the worst kind, haven’t been on a holiday in years, only get massages (sand-papering)from my boyfriend.
I’m being serious.
Planning a 2 week journey from Jo’burg to Knysna (and all the town in between) in September.
@DT – After briefly chatting to you yesterday about breathing correctly, I gave it a go and it’s definitely an amazing way to relax. I want to take myself, alone, to the beach and just sit on the shore listening to the waves and slowly breathing in and out, would be so soothing don’t you think?
@Louise – I’ve never been to one before unfortunately, so I can’t wait to give it a go. To be honest, I bet you I would fall asleep too and that would be so worth it, I wouldn’t see that as missing anything :D
@Simonia – Well, for me it’s about leaving technology behind for a period of at least 48 hours – The continual information overload that I experience in my career is quite incredible and very exhausting. I find that my mind is continually taking in information, processing it, storing it and then trying to tie it up with other information so as to create understanding, which in turn leads to knowledge. In terms of relaxation and holidays, I’m not too picky about where and what, provided it’s away from technology, involves some peace and quiet, then I’m happy. Your trip sounds wonderful, Knysna is so beautiful, I’m really happy to hear that you’re getting away for a bit, please come back and let us know which towns you found best :)
For those of you who are longing for a relaxing weekend, then take a look at the competition I’m having – http://imod.co.za/index.php/2009/07/22/win-an-all-expenses-paid-health-spa-adventure/