In the online world where my business is based, there’s this constant pressure to be productive non-stop and it’s as if being efficient is the only path to achieve success. I believe that there has to be a counterbalance to this pressure.
I’m all for hustling, bustling, and the daily grind, but I’m hard on recharging, too. For me, what helps in increasing my efficiency are solo breaks and family vacations. Let me share with you my experience at the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana on a road trip with my family. This is by far, my most favorite road trip this year!
Reasons for Choosing the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
🛖 Location and Environment
As a professional who is always on the laptop for designing pins and instructional materials, my mental clarity and focus are essential to me. Being in a peaceful surrounding and tranquil ambiance can help me disconnect from technology for a while. I can take a digital detox and by doing this, I can rest my eyes and sleep earlier than my usual bedtime.
Aside from that, traveling to the province can provide that perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The sounds of nature, fresh air, and the absence of city noise can create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and productivity.
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is situated in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, offering easy access to ancient ruins, temples, and historical sites and it’s also close to the Habarana Lake.
Since it’s close by, I had one day with my family to go on a mini hike to the Ritigala Archeological Site. It houses the remains of an ancient monastery and this place is believed to be a major Buddhist centre in the history of Sri Lanka. We walked through what looked like halls and living quarters back then.
I needed this lush greenery and smell of the earth because every day, I’m surrounded by artificial stimuli like my laptop and iPod touch music. I had a great 30,000 walking steps because of this activity and exposure to natural sunlight for a good 3 hours.
After this, I felt calmer, lighter, and more energized.
🛖Amenities and Facilities
We had a truly satisfying stay here at the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana because of their comfortable accommodations, dining options, and recreational activities.
The resort has a variety of well-kept rooms and suites. Many of the rooms and suites here are spacious enough to accommodate families comfortably. Some may even have separate bedrooms for children.
Guests can enjoy a variety of cuisines at the resort’s restaurants, including local Sri Lankan dishes and international favorites. I love their breakfast buffet spread!
They also offer a range of recreational activities, such as swimming, cycling, birdwatching, and wildlife safaris.
I’m a walker and I include it in my daily routine. My average is 3000 daily steps. I do this to stop me from sitting in front of my laptop the whole day. If I have more time, I go to the nearest jogging track in our area in the city. When I saw how wide the walking area is at the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, I was so delighted! The child in me came out, too, when I heard that we could use the bikes for a minimal fee.
We’re so glad we opted for this place for our family vacation this early part of the year. Cinnamon Lodge Habarana is an excellent choice for families. I enjoyed swimming with my nephew and niece. We’ll definitely come back here and spend a longer time!
Practical Tips for a Productive Vacation for My Fellow Digital Workers
One of the many things that I’m avoiding as I run my digital business is burn out because it will bring down my work momentum. Even as digital workers, I’ve proven that vacations can be a valuable time for rest, rejuvenation, and even productivity. We can make the most of our holiday while maintaining a balance between relaxation and productivity.
✨Set clear goals
We need to determine what we want to achieve during our vacation. Is it for complete rest, catching up on work, sparking creativity, or brainstorming new projects?
For this particular vacation, I wanted to spend time with my family, enhance my mental clarity, spark my creativity, and move my body.
If you plan to work while on vacation, create a schedule that outlines when you’ll work and when you’ll relax. This will help you stay organized and prevent burnout. If you need to work while on vacation, ensure you have a suitable workspace. This might be a quiet corner in your hotel, in a cafe, or a local co-working space.
✨Maintain boundaries
Have the strength to disconnect. I cannot emphasize this further. While it’s tempting to be constantly connected, try to disconnect from work-related notifications during your leisure time. This will allow you to truly relax and recharge.
Let your team and clients know when you’ll be unavailable and who they can contact in case of emergencies. This will help reduce stress and ensure that your work is covered.
Avoid overworking. It’s important to avoid overworking while on vacation. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a break or adjust your workload.
✨Work on what’s best for you
I don’t know who said it, but this is what I always remind myself, “Adjust your work to your life and not the other way around”. In the first 3 decades of my life, I’ve always adjusted my preferences and choices according to a system that was acceptable to society that time. I woke up at the time that was required and went to school at the time set for us. I know the value of learning many subjects in school, but there were some that did not bring joy to my childhood. These are just some of the adjustments I had to make.
So I told myself that in my 30s, I will gradually prepare for a life where I don’t need to unnecessarily adjust myself to anything that much anymore. This includes work. I used to act according to what the typical workplace obliged their employees. Now that I work online, I prioritize my wellbeing first and foremost.
There’s a Productivity Power in a Family Vacation
Take that family vacation! It may seem counterintuitive for some, but a holiday is necessary for you. When you’re relaxed and refreshed, you’re better equipped to handle challenges and work more effectively.
A change of scenery and new experiences can spark creativity and inspire new ideas. Who knows? Your next family vacation can give you a unique opportunity to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions!
A well-rested mind, body, and energy is productive. Remember that!
What’s your most favorite vacation with your family? At Snippets of Wonders, we are a fan of road trips! Check what our resident writer, Aica, has to say about Why a Road Trip is a Great Creative Learning Experience.
(We write our content in the hope of making you, our readers, feel a little more inspired in a time when you’re probably feeling low. We hope you feel a little lighter after visiting our site. Then, we know we’ve served our purpose.⭐)