Refresh and Revitalize: The Importance of Taking Time Out for Yourself

We are all frequently told just how important it is to take time out for ourselves, but very few of us actually give ourselves permission to take the time out we need to do so. Are you feeling stressed, under pressure and in need of a break, but aren’t sure where to start? There is no better way to relax, unwind, and take care of both your body and mind than taking a vacation. And there is no better vacation destination than Tybee Island!

The grind of everyday life can get you down and begin to have an impact on both your mental and physical health: this is particularly true if you have a stressful job, a strained relationship with your children, or are long-term carer for family members with physical disabilities, mental disabilities or addiction problems that mean they require constant care and support. In these circumstances, many people feel reluctant to take time out and give themselves the break that they need. But no matter how busy you are, or how much you feel that your presence is needed at home, if you don’t take time for yourself outside of the home to recharge your batteries then in the long run your health will suffer and you will be unable to fulfil the roles expected of you that are putting you under so much pressure anyway. The relaxed and laidback pace of life on Tybee Island is perfect for individuals who are looking to take time out from the busy realities of the modern world and completely

Here are just some of the most relaxing and revitalising activities you can enjoy when you choose to take a vacation on Tybee Island:

Photo from Aikya Yoga

Take a Yoga Class on the Beach

Yoga is the perfect activity to help you empty your mind, live in the moment, and relax your tired and aching muscles. On Tybee Island you can enjoy a yoga class on the beach with the wind in your hair, sand between your toes, and the sound of the ocean filling the space around you. Aikya Yoga School offers yoga on the beach sessions to both local residents and vacationers at 9am on Saturday mornings during the warmer months between April and October, right on the beach front.  There are several proven health benefits of enjoying a yoga class: not only can it improve your frame of mind, it will also increase your flexibility, improve your muscle strength, and help you to maintain a balanced metabolism. A yoga class is the perfect way to start a relaxing vacation, and introduce your body and mind to the new slower pace of life you can enjoy during your time on Tybee Island.

Walk the McQueens Island Trail

Walking is good for the soul, and enjoying a long walk or hike outdoors, where you can get closer to nature and be at one with your thoughts, is a wonderful way to unwind, release happy-making endorphins, and generally enrich your vacation experience. The McQueens Island trail is a six mile walk that will take you across salt water marshes and give you the opportunity to enjoy spotting a wide array of native wildlife, including: “the eastern box turtle, American alligator, diamond back terrapin, bobcat, osprey, red-tailed hawk and brown pelican.” Particularly lucky visitors have even reported spotting friendly dolphins playing in the river. Make the most of your day by taking a picnic to enjoy in one of the well-marked and maintained picnic areas, giving nourishment to your body as well as to your soul.

Photo courtesy Tybee Lighthouse

Visit the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum

Constructed in 1732, the lighthouse on Tybee Island is both the tallest and oldest lighthouse in the state of Georgia, meaning that it attracts visitors from all over the state, and the rest of the country. The tower stands at an incredible 145 feet tall, and is a wonderful place to learn more about the history of Tybee Island, and lighthouses in general. Recent studies have discovered that education can have a positive effect on happiness and general wellbeing, and learning something new is now considered to be a core need for psychological well being. By learning more about the island, you will be enriching your mind and giving yourself the revitalising boost that you need to return to your everyday life.