Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, stuck in a rut? Have you completely lost your motivation? Are you having trouble focusing? Difficulty functioning? If the aforementioned sounds all too familiar, you should consider planning some reset trips for mental health! You won’t regret it, I promise!
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These trips can significantly enhance your well-being, leaving you with a clearer mind and renewed energy upon your return. As you gradually resume your responsibilities, you will find that tasks become more manageable, and a sense of order begins to reestablish itself. Over time, you may observe a sustained reduction in your stress levels, persisting well beyond your trip.
What are reset trips for mental health?
Reset trips for mental health are trips you plan with the sole purpose of focusing on your mental well-being. These trips should be specifically designed to help you rejuvenate your mind and restore your emotional well-being.
Your reset trips for mental health may differ greatly from those of your friends and neighbors, highlighting the unique needs of each individual. Consequently, a “one size fits all approach” is not applicable. But I will strive to provide you with at least some guidance to help you in your endeavors.
How long should reset trips for mental health be?
The length of your mental health reset trips will be influenced by various factors. Firstly, it will depend on the level of stress you are experiencing. Secondly, the amount of time you can allocate for these trips will play a significant role. Then finally, how much money you have available that you can comfortably allocate towards reset trips.
My best advice here is to carefully evaluate your personal situation and do the best you can. If you only have weekends available because your work schedule is demanding, then plan weekend getaways close to home. Short weekend trips are better than nothing, and you’ll still reap the mental health benefits of “getting away from it all”.
I strongly recommend a duration of at least 5 to 7 days if you can manage it. This timeframe provides ample opportunity to fully detach and rejuvenate after setting aside the pressures of everyday life.
What are the benefits of reset trips for mental health?
While I could elaborate extensively on this section, I will focus on highlighting only the key benefits for the time being. Reset trips for mental health have the ability to alleviate stress which will decrease your level of anxiety and put a smile on your face. Additionally, you may observe a reduction in physical symptoms that have arisen from heightened stress, contributing to an overall improvement in both mental and physical well-being.
The aforementioned will increase your energy levels, enhance your focus, and boost your level of productivity. You’ll return rejuvenated with a more positive outlook on life. These changes in your mood will enhance your interactions, thereby fostering stronger relationships both in the workplace and at home.
What are the best places to visit while taking reset trips for mental health?
This will obviously vary from one person to another. For example, one person may be experiencing overwhelming feelings of loneliness and seek to plan a reset trip that will foster socialization. While another person may be mentally exhausted from constantly dealing with people and wish to mentally reset deep in the wilderness. Whatever the case may be, you’ll find some useful suggestions below.
- Wellness Retreats
- Resorts & Spas
- Vineyards
- National Parks
- State Parks
- Hot Springs
- Secluded Beaches
- Mountain Retreats
- River Towns
- Ski Resorts
- Religious Retreats
What are the best activities to do while taking reset trips for mental health?
There are so many activities you can do while on reset trips that will help you relax and recharge. In fact, there’s almost an endless list of possibilities. For the purpose of this post, I will keep it limited to a reasonable number of options. See the list of suggestions below!
- Go to a comedy club
- Read a book
- Go dancing
- Book a massage
- Go hiking
- Spend time in a sauna
- Go to an art class
- Soak in a hot tub
- Go sightseeing
- Chase waterfalls (spend time listening)
- Go for a swim
- Sky gaze
- Go sailing
- Try guided meditation
- Go caving
- Watch sunsets
- Go fishing
- Relax & watch movies
- Go skiing
- Take a nap!!!
Keep in mind, it is essential to select activities that genuinely promote relaxation and happiness for you. Engage in pursuits that you find enjoyable, and do not hesitate to explore new experiences. However, it is important to avoid creating a packed schedule, as a hectic itinerary will counteract the intended purpose of the trip.
Some relaxing things to pack
Accommodations typically offer essential amenities for comfort, but little beyond that. For a more enjoyable and relaxing stay, consider packing additional items to enhance your experience. Don’t worry, you can still pack light. See the list below for suggestions!
- Steam Eye Mask (toss a couple in your luggage)
- Sensory friendly pajamas
- Epsom Salt (Lavender, pack only what you need)
- Super soft travel blanket
- Shower Steamers Aromatherapy
- Favorite snacks
- Stress Ease Roll On
- Playlist of your favorite music
- Flameless Candles
- A good book or two!
- Comfy slippers
Tips for success
It’s extremely important that your reset trips be successful. I promise you don’t want journeys fraught with challenges that do nothing but increase your stress levels. It’s counterproductive and a waste of precious resources. To help you avoid such unpleasantries, I will share some tried and true tips for successful reset trips.
- Plan your trip in advance
- Choose reliable transportation
- Book reputable accommodations
- Choose a destination that is peaceful to you
- Avoid last minute packing
- Travel light
- Leave with plenty of time to spare
- Plan a low-key itinerary
- Severely limit screen time
- No checking work emails
- Stay off of work platforms
- Avoid social media
- Stay away from drama
- Don’t worry about things at home
- Make time for exercise
- Use relaxation techniques
- Spend time in nature
- Get plenty of rest
Mental health resources
Each day, I observe an increasing number of individuals grappling with mental health challenges, which is truly unfortunate. Deteriorating mental health frequently leads individuals toward self-destructive actions. Self-destructive behaviors encompass a range of actions, including but not limited to excessive alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, compulsive gambling, and overeating.
The aforementioned self-destructive behaviors can be financially devastating to the point of homelessness. It is extremely important to reach out if you or someone you care about is in a downward spiral. In spite of an already overwhelmed system, there are resources available! See the list below!
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- SAMHSA
- Crisis Text Line
- Grief resources
- Veteran’s Crisis Line
- Overeaters Anonymous
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Postpartum Support International
- Search & join FREE mental health support groups on Facebook
It’s also important for me to point out that sometimes mental health issues lead to abusive relationships. I thought it was important to list some resources for that a well! See the list below!
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Domestic Violence Website
- Violence against women
- National Child Abuse Hotline
After reading this, I hope you’ll see the benefits of reset trips for mental health. It’s so important to make these trips a part of your lifestyle. These trips don’t have to be expensive! Thrifty trips with cheap/free activities can be just as effective as luxury vacations. Please know that I am not a mental health professional or a medical doctor. However, it doesn’t take a professional to know that traveling has a positive impact on mental and physical health. Wishing you many blessings and as always, Safe Travels!
I agree! Short trips are better than nothing. But it’s hard to plan. Sometimes getting a nudge from family members can help a friend start thinking about a reset vacation.
You’re so right! A little encouragement can go a long way in helping someone plan that much-needed reset vacation. Thanx so much for taking the time to read and comment!
Love this idea. We will totally need a reset trip next year after we have finished house updates, sell our house and moved. Phew I will start planning now. Great suggestions.
For sure! That reset trip is going to feel amazing after all the hard work you’ve put into your house and move! Thanx so much for taking the time to read and comment!
I love short trips, or even slow days, where I get to unwind and reset my mental health It is so important to keep renewing your energy. Great article!
Prioritizing mental health and renewing your energy is so important, and I’m thrilled the article resonated with you! Thanx for taking the time to read and comment!
This is so smart. As a business owner, I often vacation but leave my phone on. More often than not, my vacation leaves me more stressed. Going on a trip with a mindset to reset is a very healthy approach when planning a vacation.
I’m glad the idea of a reset mindset resonates with you—it’s such a game-changer for truly recharging on a trip (especially for us business owners). I know my phone never seems to stop and people expect an instant response, I have to mute it once in a while to get some peace and avoid burnout. Thanx so much for taking the time to read and comment!