Losing Perspective

As an experiment, stare at a single point for longer than a minute. The effect is striking. The eye succumbs to the stress of focusing on the point and begins losing perspective. The reason is that the eye is not designed to maintain an unmoving focus. Though we are unaware of it, eye muscles are constantly adjusting with micro movements. Holding them still causes extreme fatigue.

The same is true with any stressful situation. Unwavering concentration on a problem(s) can produce myopia (a nearsighted or shortsighted condition). Important relational cues can be missed. For instance, a partner, business or personal, could be in the process of reaching out. The lack of a response could precipitate an avoidable breakup.

The Getaway - An Important Relaxation Technique

A getaway is just that. It is a critical relaxation technique. The first step of course is to employ various techniques to alleviate stress and relax (click here for leading Barnes and Noble relaxation books ) It is difficult to justify deliberately taking time off when the pressure is on. However, short term relaxation techniques only reduce the immediate effects of stress. It takes more to gain perspective on a difficult situation.

Last Minute Getaway

Last minute getaways with family or friends can realign the focus that was lost the previous period. The key is deciding what is appropriate. Sometimes the attempt to getaway is more stressful than the problem it is addressing. For instance, pet owners and\or parents have to account for their charges. In fact, dealing with dependants can stop a last minute getaway cold.

Perspective Regained

It is a clear case of cost benefit analysis. Will you gain more by (camping, going to a bed and breakfast, lounging by a motel pool(weather permitting), driving in circles for a couple of days or whatever constitutes a getaway) than staying where you are?. You can not deny that the world looks different from a pool side lounge chair. At first blush, the answer usually is no. But not for the reasons one would think.

Change Management

Change is threatening. It means that you may have to entertain a new set of possibilities. It might lead to new relationships, feelings and growth. This can be a good thing. But in large doses, such changes can create stress at the time it is to be relieved. Manage it. Set yourself specific small goals such as driving a given distance, spending some time by the pool, having a nice dinner, or holding hands. Even the romantic getaway can be managed. Review the expectations such a outing implies. Put those into perspective. Make your getaway goals simple.

Remembrance

The few hours or days taken will not eliminate the stress of the prior period. However, the memories provide an important reminder of what life is about. Use the memories to refresh any situation that comes up until you can make the next getaway.

Additional Articles