It’s Good to Have a Day Off

Whew! It’s been a busy, busy month! I’m happy for all the projects we’ve been working on, but it’s been a bit chaotic with events back to back to back around here. Now that April is over, we can sit back and relax a bit. Just kidding! In case you weren’t aware, it never really slows down here, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take some time off.

Everyone needs a break to recharge, but according to research compiled by Project Time Off, vacation time is on the decline. Americans have the vacation time to take, but we’re not using it, for some strange reason. I do to take my vacation time each year, but it does require an immense amount of planning. The actual vacation part doesn’t seem to take so much planning as the “I’m going to be out of the office part.” Scheduling out social media posts and making sure everything’s covered before I leave isn’t always an easy task, and I worry that I’m forgetting something. I probably won’t take my actual long vacation (meaning leaving Liberty County to go somewhere else) until July, but that doesn’t mean I couldn’t use some relaxation starting now.

So, in honor of National Travel & Tourism Week and Project Time off, I’m taking the day off on Monday. Yep. I don’t have specific plans for my day off yet, but I’m going to enjoy it. I’m going to spend it with my family and not worry about work. That’s what Project Time-Off is all about. Taking the time away from work to recharge, get out and explore or just straight up relax. Co-workers please note: don’t call or text me. I will have my out-of-office reply on my email. I’m planning to put my phone on mute and do something non-work related that makes me happy. I know I’ll come back to work on Tuesday, better than ever.

Apparently some people don’t take their vacation time because they think no one else can do their job or they’re worried that the sky may collapse while they’re away from work. Am I worried that something like that is going to happen? Nope! Everything will carry on while I’m away. I’m not THAT important. (Not yet, anyway. Lol!) Everything will be fine, and when I take my full week of vacation time in July, there won’t be a disaster then either.

Sometimes, you can’t go on elaborate vacations or get more than 10 miles away from your house. In those cases, you can still take some time off and get the benefits of rest and relaxation by doing a staycation. Below I’ve got a list 5 things to do/places to go in Liberty County for a staycation.

1. Go out to eat.

If you can’t do anything else, go to a sit-down restaurant, relax, order some food you enjoy, and let the professionals handle the cooking and cleaning. I don’t know about you, but I think dirty dishes are stressful, and I’d rather not have them in my sink. I like going to locally owned restaurants, where you know you’ll be treated well and you might already have a favorite dish there. My top favorites are Rodeo and Izola’s for dining in Hinesville, and when I want to kick back for some locally caught seafood with a view, I head to the Sunbury Crab Co.

2. Get in touch with nature.

Did you know we have trails around here that are perfect for a leisurely stroll and nature watching? Nature is peaceful. I like being in a place where all I hear is the birds singing, crickets chirping and not much else. Fort Morris has a nature trail around the remains of the fort. It’s also part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, so bird-watching enthusiasts can rejoice. My favorite part is the gorgeous view of St. Catherines Sound. This view has changed very little over the last 200 hundred years and it’s the site’s hidden gem. The Historic Baptismal Trail is not only historically and culturally significant, but offers a beautiful nature walk with a boardwalk and picnic tables under the shade of the pine trees. I always feel much more calm when I’ve been outside, and these are two perfect spots to enjoy nature to the fullest.

3. Get a massage or mini makeover.

If you’re tense, get a massage. Just do it. It’s worth it. I don’t utilize this service enough, but it sure does make a difference. Last year, our boss got us each 10-minute massages for National Have Fun at Work Day. It was amazing. I felt so much more relaxed for the rest of the workday. And ladies, sometimes it’s nice to have your makeup professionally done. Especially if you’re going out or you’re just wanting a new look. Molly Maxine has you covered in that department. They’ll provide you with a luxurious facial or makeover, and you’ll feel fabulous afterward.

4. Get a hotel room for a night or two.

Just because you can’t leave town doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the perks of letting someone else take care of you for a couple of days. Sometimes a change of scenery, fresh clean sheets and letting someone else make your bed feels nice. Our hotels have plenty of amenities, and you’ll feel recharged after a good night’s sleep.

 

 

5. Do something fun.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, sign up for a kayak excursion at Dunham Farms. No experience is necessary, and you’ll get a guided tour as you paddle around a coastal plantation from the 1700’s. You can also go fruit picking at Brewer’s Christmas Tree & Blueberry Farm. Blueberries are almost in season, and Brewer’s has plenty of them. Breathe in the fresh air created by the baby Christmas trees, and enjoy harvesting baskets of blueberries.

So that’s my list. If you need a break but just can’t get away from work at the moment, take at least a few hours (even on a weekend) to do something that makes you happy. Let me know if you need more life advice. But don’t ask me this coming Monday. That’s my day off!

-Amanda Scott, Program Manager for the Liberty County CVB

The Right Blend Blog is written by three different authors employed by the Liberty County Chamber/CVB. As we are able, we rotate weeks and each write about our individual experiences, opinions and let our writing reflect our personalities and creativity. All content provided on The Right Blend blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site.