Virtual Holidays
HELPING YOU BEAT THE HOLIDAY BLUES
As Canada’s Covid19 lockdown alleviates, but continues, and the government warns Canadians against making holiday plans just yet, many people may find their minds gravitating towards their annual summer trip they normally look forward to. So, in response, here’s help for people to travel to one of their favourite destinations – from the comfort of their own home!
Amid the despair and grief of this pandemic, it might seem facile to focus on holidays, but they undoubtedly play a huge part in our mental health and wellbeing. From the excitement of choosing a destination and accommodation, researching everything from sights to restaurants, to the actual week or fortnight itself followed by the recollection of treasured memories, holidays really do matter.
It’s about ‘life experiences’, relaxation, and most importantly, escapism from everyday life. The coping process of escapism is common to many people in difficult times. Escape is key in our mental self-care, and it can be good to seek a happy escape when things seem impossible – that feeling of ‘I just need to get away’.
And of course, many forms of our regular escapisms, such as going out to the gym, bars and restaurants, have been taken away from us, increasing our desire to plan ahead for getaways once lockdown is completely lifted.
There are five free downloads to choose from to enable people to spirit their minds away to an amazing holiday destination and in doing so, take back a little of the relaxation and release they would have enjoyed had they actually been away.
At a time when we can’t guarantee a lengthier reprieve, something as simple as taking a ‘virtual holiday’ can offer a brief moment of escapism. This allows you an outlet for the stress we are facing, and the energy to re-engage with life in lockdown.
The free downloads are a form of self-hypnosis, and simply require you to sit down in a quiet and comfortable spot, close your eyes, listen to my words, visualise the holiday destination, and relax. There are five types of holiday to
Choose from the recordings – beach resort, mountains, safari, road trip, and Disney.
Travel agents have stated that they believe there will be a number of key things holidaymakers will look for once the travel industry reopens for business: such as seeking plenty of space and fresh air after being cooped up for so long – destinations such as New Zealand and Australia may become more popular, especially for self-drive trips. Also, many people will feel like doing something completely different as an antidote to months of boredom, so an adventurous African safari might well appeal.
Conversely, some families might want privacy to reconnect with each other after enduring being forced apart for such a long time. Idyllic islands like those in the Caribbean could prove popular for multi- generational groups involving grandparents, parents and children all enjoying some quality time together, whereas couples might favour treating themselves to some luxury in the Maldives.
Taking a short break, in spirit if not in body may help people stay positive in these difficult times
Try the downloads for yourself now and let me know what you think.