Find Amazing Psychological Benefits in Adventures

Everyone that knows me knows that the way to my heart is through experiences and travel. I tell my husband all the time, “I don’t need a gift, I want to go on a trip”.  I recently took advantage of an amazing opportunity to combine two things I love: travel and yoga. I spent a week in Greece exploring the islands of Crete and Santorini with twenty-two other wonderful humans. I know this may sound dramatic, but the experience was truly life changing. It was led by two of the most amazing women, my teachers, mentors, and now my dear friends. It was a perfect combination of R&R, exploration, fitness, and movement with amazing food and even better company.

Experiences and Travel Have Restorative Powers

I can write pages upon pages about my recent trip, but the purpose of this blog is to consider sprinkling in experience and travel (if and when possible) into our daily lives. It does not have to look like a big European trip. Some of my favorite experiences are hiking with the kids or checking out a new place. Yes, they initially complain and say, “not another hike, mom, but once we are on the trail, they stop to pick up rocks, play in the streams, ask me to take a photo of them, and it is truly the best. We often go for family bike rides or have a water gun fight in the backyard. All these moments and experiences are the best gift you can give yourself and your children.

We All Need to Disconnect and Take a Break from the Monotony of Our Daily Routines

Most of the “I have to do’s” are self-imposed. I know that is a bold statement and some may argue but I need to do laundry and clean my house. Sure, you do, but I am sure your house is in better shape then you think. I also think you have an extra few days of clothes on hand should you abandon your laundry duty for the day. Just saying…

Back to trips and adventures. The solidifying moments for me are when my 9-year-old son comes home with stories written about places we have been. He just wrote that he loves all the trips we go on together in my mother’s day card. The truth is, I am a better mom when I have breaks in my routine and honestly, when I am able to disconnect and be present in a new place with my family. Not to mention, having something to look forward to is so good for us psychologically.

This summer, we are heading to Bar Harbor in Maine to explore Acadia National Park. This is a new adventure for us. We are driving, so we are breaking up the drive by stopping for a night in Boston to check out a new city, then driving on to Bar Harbor. We will stay in Bar Harbor for 4 nights then drive to Kennebunkport for an additional 3 nights.  In August, we will spend a week in our happy place, Cape May, where we have established traditions that we look forward to repeating each year.

Where are you going this summer? Comment here and let us know.  What day trips and adventures are you going on?  We would love to hear from you.

Happy adventuring.

Thanks for reading.

With Love,

Ashley