Coach Andrew Harrington

When someone asks me how my day has been, regardless of whether it has been great or horrible, I often say, “living the dream.” Sometimes it’s true, and sometimes it is just small talk to get them to leave me alone.

Truth is, when I’m really living the dream it is when my mind is clear and my stresses are out the window. There is no better place to clear the mind than on a summer vacation. With vacation season coming around, here are some tips for the perfect trip.

The Mindset

Surprise, surprise, the biggest challenge of going on vacation is also the key to having fun. If you cannot fully let go of what you left behind at home, there will always be strings attached that stretch your mind thin.

I have been on trips that only increased my stress levels by the time I returned, because I spent the whole time worrying about how much work and life stuff I would have to come back to.

For some, these worries are unavoidable. I’m no therapist, but if you convince yourself that your business, coworkers and family are all fully capable of moving forward for a week or two without you, it may ease that tension, even if only slightly and temporarily.

The Perfect Crew

No vacation is a good vacation unless you bring an all-star crew. Whether it be friends, family or just yourself, if you are not happy with the people you bring, you might as well just stay home. Don’t invite that dramatic friend that you are not even really friends with. Don’t invite that family member that sparks up fights every Thanksgiving.

Truth is, no matter where you end up, the vacation will always be a good one with the right people around.

The Destination

This subtitle is misleading, because what I am here to tell you is that the destination does not matter. Whether it is an extravagant cruise to the Caribbean or a short road trip up north, if it is a place you can find inner peace, then it does not matter where you go. Some of my favorite trips have been weekend getaways to Wisconsin Dells with a handful of my friends, because it never fails to clear my mind.

Also, always plan some fun quests on the side. The perfect trip has a great destination, but also great stuff to do when you are not relaxing at the end location.

I plan to take a summer road trip out east this summer with my dad. While the details are still up in the air, I have two of the boxes checked. I have my partner in crime that will be a blast to hit the road with and people back home that I can trust to hold down the fort while I am gone. Now, it’s time to pick out some destinations.

For topic suggestions to be included in a future Ask Andrew column, reach out to Andrew at andrew@piercecountyjournal.news.