Need a vacation? I discovered the best destination.

Burnout in a COVID world setting in? Want to get away from it all? Perhaps a pristine beach in Thailand or the rolling hills of Tuscany will do? Yes, everyone deserves and needs time off from work and a change of scenery. However, does getting away really resolve our burnout, stress and frustration? Or is it a temporary reprieve, eventually coming home with the same baggage as before?

There is a quiet place within yourself to retreat and recharge whenever you want. When you find it, it is truly amazing.

In fact, one of the greatest leaders of the Roman Empire was able to find his inner sanctuary under immense stress of constant wars, plagues and nasty politics. From there, he led his people with wisdom, morality, courage, and moderation. Marcus Aurelius was the last of the “Five Good Roman Emperors”, and is also considered one of the more important practical philosophers in modern history.

“People long to escape life’s struggles and relax in country houses, by the seaside, or in the mountains. But it is within your power to find solace at any time, by retreating into yourself. When your thoughts are orderly and tranquil, there’s no place quieter and more peaceful than your own soul. There, you are free.

Take this retreat often to renew yourself. Let your principles be few and fundamental — sufficient to clear your mind and send you back into the world refreshed.

If so much is transitory and fleeting, what is worth doing? Retreat to your inner sanctuary. Here, away from strain and distraction, you are free to observe the world and your reactions objectively.

Nothing touches the soul; it can’t be harmed be anything external. When you are upset, it is your own opinion that upsets you.

The universe is constantly in flux. Your experience of life is determined by how you look at it.” — M.A.

If Marcus can do it, why can’t you? You can. Try these three things.

1. Write down your core values. Live them everyday as your philosophy for life. When you fail to embody them, look within yourself for why and do better next time around. Check out this example of five epithets to live by. Use something like The Five Minute Journal to state your gratitude, affirmations and hold yourself accountable daily.
2. Breath. Connect your mind with your physiology with a 10 minute breathing exercise. Focus solely on the breath and what is going on with your body. Let everything else melt away. Wim Hof has a great breathing method that is scientifically proven to improve your energy level, detox your body, reduce stress levels, re-balance the nervous system and strengthen your immune system.
3. Mute all senses. Our mind is racing with constant inputs and outputs. Sometimes it feels like sensory overload. Hit Ctrl + Alt + Delete by floating in a sensory deprivation pod. It may sound weird at first but floating in a salt water pod gives your senses a break, where no light can distract you, no sound can disrupt you, and no physical sensations can tether you. Studies show that just a few 1-hour floats is the physiological equivalent of a long vacation. Joe Rogan talks about the benefits on his podcast.

Try one or all three together and let me know your results in the comments below. Enjoy your new vacation destination!