My Escape Makes Things Better

During the Christmas season, I was feeling pressure from many areas. Some were seasonal pulls, some were family-related, and some just felt the pain of watching people going through tough times.  

I made it through Christmas, but I needed to get away. (Daily, I practice taking a daily “vacation,” shifting the world into neutral by reading, taking a break, walking, or focusing on other things.) 

On the heels of a “pandemic,” many people have struggled and suffered. Loss, sickness, mental unwellness, and more. And this affected lots of those around them. (As a minister, sometimes I see more than I want. Being a father and a grandfather is not without pain either.) 

I needed to take a break, and it needed to be a geographic one. To my secret happy place. Lake George! 

Lake George and the Adirondacks have been a personal escape for me since I was young. (I have been going to the Adirondacks since I was 2.) 

Taking a break is essential. I had it planned for the previous week, but two of my grandchildren lost two grandparents on their father’s side during the last few weeks. And funerals and memorials were scheduled. And while Tina and I could have gone by ourselves, we had promised my grandson, Jacob, that he could go with us.  

Delayed a week, I could feel the need to get away increase. Finally, it was Saturday morning. Walking Jacob up, he was quickly ready, and the three of us headed over to get coffee. And then we were on the road. The snow in the mountains and trees was beautiful. (Truth be told, had there been a foot of snow, I would have left.) We talked, and Jacob took pictures as we drove. Crossing through Vermont, we were soon at the border of New York state. No sooner did we hit the state line than I could feel creativity starting to flow, stress leaving, and anticipation rising.  

Driving the last few miles, I took the fastest road that got me to the water’s edge. Seeing the lake made all the difference in the world. 

Of course, taking breaks is vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Taking a break can help you recharge and refocus if you’re feeling stressed or overworked. You can use your time to do something you enjoy, such as reading a book, walking, or spending time with friends and family. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something that makes you feel relaxed and happy. 

For me, it is the lake. As we drove along the lake, I felt more relaxed.  

Someone asked me why it was important to get away. 

There are several reasons why it is crucial to take a break and get away for a few hours. 

First, taking a break can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being. When constantly working or focusing on a task, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and burned out. Taking a break allows us to step back and relax, which can help improve our mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. 

Lee on Lake Drive in Lake George

Second, getting away from our usual environment can also help boost creativity and productivity. When surrounded by the same things every day, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut and struggle to come up with new ideas. Changing our surroundings, even for a short time, can help break that pattern and inspire new thinking. 

Finally, taking a break can help us reconnect with our hobbies, interests, and loved ones. We often get so caught up in our daily responsibilities that we don’t take the time to do the things we enjoy or spend quality time with the people we care about. Taking a break can help us make time for these essential aspects of our lives. 

Taking a break and getting away for a few hours is important because it can reduce stress and improve my mental well-being, boost my creativity and productivity, and helps me reconnect with hobbies, interests, and loved ones. 

And the lake? I love lakes. Lake George happens to be a few hours from me. One of the lakes I have visited for over 60 years. We went up to check out the home we rented for next September. Afterward, we headed to the Prospect Diner for burgers and onion rings. Medium rare, juicy, amazing burgers! 

But there is more to it. After we left lunch, we went down and parked along the waterfront. 

Watching the waves of a lake can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, and there are several reasons why it may be vital for one’s well-being. 

First, the repetitive motion of the waves can be soothing and meditative. The regularity of the waves can have a calming effect on the mind, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. 

Second, being near water can positively impact our mental health and overall well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to nature, particularly water, can help improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression, and increase feelings of well-being. 

Third, the natural beauty of the lake and the surrounding landscape can be inspiring and uplifting. The colors, textures, and patterns of nature can stimulate the senses and inspire creativity. 

Finally, being away from the distractions of everyday life can help one focus on the present moment, which can be beneficial for mental and emotional well-being. 

So watching the waves of a lake can be an important and beneficial activity because it can be soothing and meditative, positively impact our mental health and overall well-being, inspire creativity, uplift the mood, and help us focus on the present moment. 

And therein lie my reasons for taking a break, going to the lake, and eating great food.   

Links to other pages…

• I Could Do That! Let’s Hear You Stand Up And Shout
• Thinking ahead
• PN4U INC. Your Donation Page & Our Nonprofit
• What Is Positive News And What Are Common Factors?

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