It may seem ludicrous to need a How-To Guide for a vacation, but since I have returned from my vacation on Sunday (awesome), I have realized that many people think that a vacation is just a change in location.
It's not.
Let me be clear. I'm not an expert on vacations. The specifics of your downtime are obviously a matter of personal choice: Whether you are a "Hands Up"/Club Med type of person, or you prefer to take in the flora and fauna in isolation - Henry David Thoreau-style - depends entirely on what brings you joy. I am, however, an expert in clinical psychology, and hope that my work helps people to lead happy, productive, and creative lives, which is why I have strong feelings about the need for, and the psychology of, vacations.
A vacation is a fundamental break in your focus, efforts, and even your Creative Imperative. It should help you restore and refresh your energy. A vacation doesn't just happen, it requires some planning, and the replenishment does not come free with your paid admission to Dollywood. Vacations do not need to cost a lot of money. Peace and detachment can be achieved without even leaving your home (see: Staycation), though a change in location is a signal to your mind that you are doing something different, which can help (The "vacation beard" is also a useful strategy). Taking a break from working or creating doesn't mean that you just don't go into your place of business. It means leaving it all behind in a very real way.
