Please Just Leave ...

There are phrases that stand out to me in this business; "I don't have time; I can't take the time," and "A long weekend is just as good." Hey, slow down, there is only one you. Schedule a vacation just as you would a business meeting or station event. I have a friend who took a vacation in the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula in Western Washington state. She unplugged for a week from all social media, newspapers, computers, cell phones and her digital camera; it's supposed to be one quietest places in the U.S.

Hard Time Getting Away...

My friend might have the right idea; total removal for a week from the cultural gadgets and the constant flow of information. I'm saying it, but I'm not sure I could do it. Air personalities and PDs have a hard time un-connecting; the business is such an "in the moment" world. Truth be told, not taking a vacation increases your stress levels.

Practical words...

My late grandmother tended to be in a constant cleaning mode and I am not sure she ever sat long enough to look around the house to enjoy the fruits of her labor. My late grandfather used to say to her, "Lil, dust will still be around when you are dead and gone, you'll just be a part of it. Sit and relax, it's not going anywhere."

My Fist Radio Vacation

Early on I had a hard time comprehending I got paid for taking time downtime from something I never thought of as work. My first vacation was forced on me; I would lose the days and the company would not exchange them for the cash. I got excited, then stressed.

I Worried...

What if my boss decided the guy filling in for me was better? Really goofy thoughts like that gave me a queasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I shared my vacation concerns with one of the veterans on the staff. He told me, "Everyone one needs some downtime. You need to give people a reason to miss you. Stop worrying, it's just a vacation. Go do something fun and don't listen to any radio while you are gone."

Plan & Go Do It...

I don't think stay-cations work as well as leaving town because your mindset is still programmed to daily surroundings. No matter the mode of transportation, get out of town and let your mind reset to a different reality. Make simple plans and get away for a week.

Cling To Calm...

Holding on to the calm feeling from vacation is important. I used to bring back golfing stuff and place it all around my office to look at. Yep, even vacation is theater of the mind, but in this case, it's your mind.