Vacation is more than just relaxation

How many times have you thought, “I really need a vacation”? And not just to catch up on sleep or do nothing for a while. But to escape autopilot. To remember who you are, without all the outside noise.

New environments, different rhythms, fresh impressions — they do more than just boost your mood. They stimulate neuroplasticity: your brain’s ability to grow, adapt, and form new connections.
Experiencing new situations and breaking daily routines contributes to:

• Stress regulation.
• Creativity.
• Psychological flexibility.

In other words: vacation literally makes your mind more resilient, adaptable, and healthy.

Play, feel, and reconnect with yourself
Especially when life is full of responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations, that playful inner child often fades into the background. Vacation invites something we adults often forget: to play. Kicking a ball on the beach or searching for seashells. Dancing for no reason. Wandering without a goal. These are the moments when you feel truly connected to yourself. Not as a parent, partner, or employee — but simply as a human being.

Memories as anchoring points
The beautiful moments you experience on vacation — a smell, a sound, the warm sand under your feet — are stored in your brain as powerful anchors. These memories aren’t just pleasant; they can also be useful.

Through visualization or guided relaxation exercises, you can access those feelings again. With the help of audio practices or hypnotherapy, you can re-activate that inner “vacation moment” — even in the middle of a hectic workweek.

Give yourself space to simply be
The longing for more inner peace, to just be yourself, is something I hear from so many people in my practice. Often, that longing isn’t a final goal, but an invitation to do something essential:

• Make space.
• Play.
• Feel.
• Allow new experiences.

You don’t always have to travel far. But making time for yourself — whether it’s a vacation, a walk by the sea, or a few minutes of visualization — is essential for your well-being.

Want to learn how to keep that vacation calm in your daily life?
You don’t have to wait for your next holiday to feel free or find more inner peace. Feel free to send me a message if you’re curious.