Holidays, Recharging, Relaxation and the Self

Holidays are meant for celebration, leisure or relaxation. They come as religious celebrations or commemoration of important events such as Christmas for the birth of Jesus or Bar Mitzvah for coming of age in Judaism. Public holidays such the Fourth of July celebrations in the United States or the Australia Day and Labour Day in Australia are also observed. Employees who are required to work during these days are compensated a "penalty pay" of 1.5 to 2 times their regular pay.

While holidays are perceived to be a bonus and looked forward to by employees, it palpably means the direct opposite to most employers. They are required by law to pay the day off even without the benefit of production. But in terms of enjoying the free day, however, the employee and employer are on the same side. It is an opportunity for recharging and relaxation. For the cost-conscious or for those who cannot afford packaged vacation, holidays are spent at home. However, the benefits are not maximised because it lacks psychological recharging. The psychological impact is deeper and more lasting than its physical dimension.

To maximise the benefits of a vacation, it should be spent in a venue different from that of routine activities and itineraries. More adventuresome and unique outings have better and longer lasting results. It is a "mind over body" thing. We may be more physically exhausted with out-of-town holidays but we come home refreshed and full of energy to last us many days, even weeks on end.

Do you notice how different folks have different preferences? That is an indication of cultural, individual or sub-cultural differences. Everyone is unique as a person but one, two or more individuals can agree on many aspects including preferences for types of holidays and venue. But the affinity is not constant. It could change in different ways for different individuals.

Sometimes, you cannot understand yourself when you do not seem to enjoy your usual group's company. You seem inclined to go with another group feeling you will have more fun with them in their leisure adventure. Unfortunately, your group sort of becomes jealous and judges you to be disloyal. It effectively distracts you and makes you enjoy your holiday adventure with the other group less enjoyable and exciting. But somehow, you feel content and happy inside.

It all goes back to the self. The self is the only entity that you absolutely own and understand more than anybody ever could and would. So the next time you think of a holiday or vacation, do it for yourself and not for anybody else.