Written by Jason Lewis

Have you taken a trip just for yourself? Not because the kids wanted to go to the beach, nor because you wanted to visit friends and family in another state, and not for another group get-together in the mountains? If not, it’s time you do. There are few things more refreshing than rebooting yourself with time away on your own terms.

Blogger Carmen McKnight takes a look at a few great destinations where you can unwind on your time.

Before You Take Off Work

Before we have you booking flights, let’s think about a few preemptive measures you can take at work to keep your phone from ringing while you’re enjoying the sunshine and breeze. Start by letting your customers, coworkers, and, if applicable, your employees know that you’ll be away during certain days. You might also consider outsourcing some administrative responsibilities to a virtual assistant or ramping up your hours in the weeks before you go to get a little bit ahead.

Start Booking

There is no single destination that makes sense for everyone. But, before you book a trip, think about going somewhere that you have never been before. You may just find your new favorite location right outside your doorstep.

Miami Beach

The beach needs no introduction, but what you might not know about Miami is that you have beautiful weather all year round. And, if you like to wind down with nightlife, you won’t find a better location than Miami Beach. There’s also lots of interesting artwork, amazing food, and plenty of nature to soak your soul into.

Orlando and Disney World

As we’re thinking about Florida, you can’t rule out Orlando – more than 59 million visitors (in 2021) certainly didn’t according to Visit Orlando. The area is home to more than a dozen theme parks, chief among them being Disney World, which comprises attractions like Epcot Center and the Magic Kingdom. You can make the trip to Disney World an affordable one by checking out the deals and reward program at Mouse Life Today, which also has tourist news and information.

Dallas

Dallas is a city steeped in history, from Cowboys to famous assassinations. According to the TourScanner blog, you’ll also find immersive art exhibits, a virtual zombie apocalypse, sports, and, if you have the courage, you can even take a fan-powered parachute flight with a certified pilot. Coincidentally, there are still many affordable vacation homes in Dallas. If you can swing 20% down (or have enough equity for a home equity loan or second mortgage), then you may even be able to have a permanent second home and a potential income stream.

New England

Covered bridges, lighthouses, and seafood! Sign us up. A quick trip to New England and its pine trees, sugar shacks, and rolling hills may be just what the doctor ordered. New England Today calls the area “a beautiful corner of the world!” While you’re here, take a charter yacht trip to see some landmarks from when our country was founded.

Seattle

Seattle might get a bad reputation for being rainy, but very few days are actual washouts. Don’t shy away from this West Coast Haven, and plan to spend the day on Puget Sound and the market center or strolling the corridors of the Museum Of Pop Culture, all of which are in Hotels.com’s top five picks for things to do in Seattle.

The benefits of taking a self-care “reset” trip can’t really be described in words. You’ll return relaxed, refreshed, and ready to tackle any challenge that steps in front of you. But, before you go, make sure to spend some time getting prepared at work and look for destinations you’ve never been to before. You never know, you might just find a new part-time home and income stream to help you afford your next getaway.

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Carmen McKnight blogs about her journey back to health from chronic Lyme Disease. Connect with Carmen today to learn more!

True that

Written by Jason Lewis

Chronic illness is more common than you may think; according to research, up to 45% of Americans have one, and a smaller percentage have several conditions. When a family member or friend gets diagnosed, it can feel like the world is crumbling, but individuals with chronic diseases can live full, happy lives. You can help by offering your support in the following ways.

Learn as Much as You Can

If you want to help a loved one living with a chronic illness, the first step is learning more. The best way to research is by consulting with a medical professional, but you can supplement your knowledge with reputable online sources:

• Cleveland Clinic
• National Institutes of Health
• MedlinePlus
• Mayo Clinic

What if you feel called to take a more hands-on approach? A nursing degree can equip family members with the necessary skills to become full-time caregivers. Online universities offer flexibility and affordable tuition, making them an excellent option for working adults. Before registering, ensure the school is accredited to avoid getting scammed.

Help Your Loved One Adhere to a Management Plan

Management plans can minimize symptoms through lifestyle changes, medication, and medical treatment:

• Nutrition
• Exercise
• Pain management
• Socialization

Depending on the condition and patients’ ages, they may need assistance sticking with a plan created by their doctors. You can help by organizing their medication, scheduling exercise classes, and taking them to social gatherings.

Create an Accessible Home Office

Working from home offers flexibility and comfort for people with chronic conditions. Home office design significantly impacts productivity, especially when individuals have health issues, so look for ways to create a welcoming, adaptable workspace:

• Choose low-maintenance flooring
• Find a quiet area
• Get a desk that’s comfortable to work at

Additionally, you can help your loved one increase natural lighting, which can boost energy and mood. Buying an ergonomic chair is also essential, as it can drastically reduce physical discomfort over long hours at the computer.

Ask What Your Loved One Needs

You should have an open dialogue with loved ones about their needs, including their emotional states. These discussions aren’t easy, and you may need a professional to help you navigate them. It may take time for individuals to adjust to their new limitations, so be patient and ask what you can do to assist in the meantime. Above all, don’t assume you know what your loved one needs. People with chronic illnesses still have agency and deserve respect.

Helping Around the House

Sometimes chronic illnesses cause pain, stiffness, and fatigue, making it difficult for patients to accomplish tasks they efficiently completed before. You can help your loved one stay comfortable by completing household chores:

• Sweeping
• Mopping
• Doing dishes
• Cooking

Read About Others’ Journeys

Dealing with a loved one’s illness can be overwhelming, and sometimes family and friends feel at a loss. Reading about other people’s experiences may help if you’re in this position. For example, you can find blogs about caregivers’ journeys or read books about patients’ struggles.

Get Outside Help

Even with an extensive support system, families of people with chronic illnesses can’t do everything. The good news is that there are many resources to help:

• Support groups
• Religious organizations
• Transportation services
• Foodbank
• Nonprofit organizations

Getting diagnosed with a chronic illness is a huge life change, but the support of loved ones can ease the transition. With the right approach, you can help your family member or friend get high-quality care and enjoy life.

 Image via Pexels

I love collaborating with Jason and I’m looking forward to future articles:)

God Bless:)