It’s OK to Take a Break: Part 1

01/28/2025 | Live the seasoned life | Lifestyle

What Is a “Soulcation?”

You have heard of this concept before, and for the next few posts, we are giving the idea of a Soulcation a bit of context. For me, Soulcations are born out of sheer necessity. Life as a woman—especially for moms or caregivers in any capacity—can feel like an endless loop of to-do lists, responsibilities, and emotional labor. I realized I needed something more intentional than a vacation. Thus, the need for a Soul-cation has been a non-negotiable.

Uninterrupted time alone in nature is priceless.

Soulcation: A solo vacation designed to refresh your mind, body, and soul.

Soulcation = Soul rejuvenation while on vacation.

This isn’t your typical getaway filled with packed itineraries or group activities. A Soulcation is purposeful, giving you time to step away from the daily grind to focus on you. It’s about quiet moments, self-reflection, and truly recharging. Consider it the ultimate form of self-care—completely customizable to your needs, whims, and desires.

Why a Soulcation Is the Self-Care You Deserve

You might be thinking, Do I really need this?

If you’re feeling burned out, overwhelmed, consistently exhausted, or stuck in autopilot mode, the answer is likely yes. A Soulcation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for those who constantly give so much of themselves to others. Once you take some soulcation time for yourself, you will undoubtedly come out on the other side recharged and ready to tackle whatever your life has for you.

Here’s the key: A Soulcation is your time to rest, reset, and rediscover what you love. Whether that’s sleeping uninterrupted, indulging in your favorite hobbies, or simply staring at the ocean with no expectations or responsibilities, it’s all about honoring yourself.

woman looking at herself in the mirror while trying on a cute outfit — I always end up window shopping during my Soulcation time.

Why a Soulcation Isn’t Just Another Vacation

Let’s be honest: Traditional vacations can sometimes leave you needing another vacation to recover. A Soulcation, however, is entirely different. Here’s how:

Peacefully reading in a spa therapy room.

No Post-Vacation Fatigue: A traditional vacation often leaves you exhausted from packed schedules and constant activity. A Soulcation leaves you refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle life head-on.
Minimal Contact: On a typical vacation, you might constantly check in with family or work. On a Soulcation, it’s all about limited communication—just enough for safety, but not enough to drag you back into everyday stress.
Unplug Completely: That laptop? Leave it at home. Those work emails? Set an out-of-office response and forget about them.
No Itineraries: A vacation often comes with a list of activities or excursions. A Soulcation has no schedule. The only agenda is your happiness and well-being.
Dress for You: Forget the pressure to dress for social media or others. Wear what makes you feel amazing—whether that’s sweatpants, a bikini, or your favorite dress.
Do What Feels Good: Sleep in, binge-watch your favorite shows, or sip coffee in total silence. On a Soulcation, your only obligation is to you.

How Do You Know It’s Time for a Soulcation?

Not sure if you need one? Take this quick quiz. Answer honestly:

Do you feel overwhelmed, irritable, or emotionally drained?
Are you running on less than 4-5 hours of sleep most nights?
Do you feel stuck or unsure of your next steps in life?
Have you caught yourself thinking, I just need a break multiple times recently?
Do you rely on caffeine, wine, or other crutches just to make it through the day?

If you answered “yes” to even a few of these, it’s time to plan a Soulcation.

Exhausted no matter how many hours of sleep you have? It’s time for a Soulcation.

Planning Your Soulcation

A successful Soulcation doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it does require intentionality. Here are a few tips to get started:

Pick a Destination: Choose a place where you can truly relax. It could be a cozy cabin, a beachside retreat, a local hotel, or a quiet park.
Delegate Responsibilities: Arrange for childcare, pet care, or anything else that needs coverage while you’re away. It’s okay to ask for help—this is your time.
Pack Smart: Bring things that make you feel good—comfy clothes, a favorite book, or luxurious bath products.
Set Boundaries: Communicate to family, friends, and work that you’ll be unavailable except for emergencies.
Follow Your Gut: Once you’re on your Soulcation, let your instincts guide you. Sleep, explore, or simply do nothing—it’s all valid.

The Magic of a Soulcation

After my first Soulcation, I came back a completely different person. Before I left, I was legit burned out, stressed, and on the verge of tears on most days. Upon my return, I was glowing, recharged, and ready to face life again.

Here’s the thing: Burnout doesn’t go away on its own. It takes intentional effort to pause, reflect, and refill your cup. A Soulcation gives you the space to do just that.

So, if you’ve been waiting for a sign to take a break, consider this it. Prioritize yourself, embrace rest, and rediscover what makes you feel alive. Because when you show up for yourself, you’re better able to show up for the people you love.

Your Turn:
Have you ever taken a Soulcation? What did you do to recharge? Share your experience in the comments!

And remember, taking time for yourself isn’t selfish—it’s self-care. So go ahead, pack your bags, and plan your escape. You deserve it.

We will continue to explore this topic even further. In the meantime, stay seasoned!