For the first time in my 15+ years of career life, I took a 2-week staycation. 

I needed a break from the exhaustion of working from home, dealing with school-age kids, debating with overseas aging parents if they should come back to the US or not, and keeping track of all the Covid-19 policy changes for the past 18 months. I also didn’t want to plan a trip, pack, travel, unpack and worry about Covid-19 policies in different places, I decided to chill at home. So for the past 2 weeks, I 

– read 3-4 hours a day (got some new thoughts, tips, and aspirations for career and life)
– took the kids to the dentist first time in the 18 months
– tried a day spa for the first time (weird but relaxed)
– baked a birthday cake for my 8-year-old for the first time (ugly but yummy!)
– explored a few nurseries around my area and bought some new roses for my patio rose garden
– spent time with flowers, fruits, and the nature
– watched a lot of Olympic games and TV shows
– met with a couple of friends in person and online
– got a haircut 
– had dinners outside
– had an unforgettable birthday
– all sorts of small and relaxing things that I didn’t have time or the right feeling to do before

I truly took a BREAK, mentally and physically. I felt energized and motivated when I came back to work today. A “break” could mean different activities to different people. Just keep in mind that when you feel exhausted, try your best to take some time off, and do something enjoyable. You will come back happier and healthier. That’s the best thing you can do for yourself, for your family, and for your co-workers.

Btw. 2 books to recommend from my reading week: 
– Storytelling with Data by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, recommend it to all data and non-data people who want to better communicate their ideas through data and graphs
-《通往财富自由之路》by 李笑来, not a typical investment book to help you achieve “financial freedom”, but a book that shares the philosophy of doing the right things and investing yourself.

—The original post was published on Linkedin in August 2021—