No time for a break? Create a life you don’t need a holiday from

Sometimes it’s just not possible to fit a holiday in, no matter how much you want one. The thing is, why live a life you constantly need a break from? Obviously, nothing compares with cocktails on a paradise island, but you can take steps to change the feeling to a simple desire, rather than a desperate need to escape.

Re-evaluate your career

Work fills such a large portion of your life, that it simply makes no sense wasting it doing something you dislike. Do you wait all week for Friday, or all year for Christmas holidays? If so, and your enjoyment level at work is less than 70 percent, it’s time to re-evaluate your career.

For a moment, forget about safety and security, to focus on what you’d love to do for a living. Almost any passion or interest can result in a career, when you commit to it. Also, look at ways to maximise your current finances, perhaps through investments or passive income opportunities.

Happiness trumps money

While it’s of extreme importance to manage your finances smartly, it’s not worth it when making money overtakes everything in your life. Money really can’t buy happiness. If you’re missing family events, get togethers with friends and your favourite recreational activities often - in order to work - you’re always going to crave an escape.

It is possible to work hard on your goals, while still enjoying life in the process. Ask for advice from experts, look for ways to simplify systems, delegate and seek help, in order to make time for you and your loved ones. Balance between work, relationships and fun is the key to a fulfilling life every day, not just at the end of the year.

Plan your free time

When you do plan a holiday, you spend a lot of time and effort on booking flights, accommodation and arranging itineraries so you can comfortably enjoy yourself. Start viewing free time with the same amount of commitment. This means planning to do things that make you happy every single day, as well as on the weekend.

Think about what you wish you were doing instead, while you’re up to your ears in challenging work. Can’t wait to sink into bed and read a book? No matter what, schedule it in. Looking forward to a dinner with friends and wine two weeks from now? That’s great, but go and get that special bottle of red right now, ring a friend and have a glass before dinner while you chat. There’s no need for deprivation, just because you’re busy. Considering it’s the little things that add up to create a life you don’t need a holiday from, it’s pretty easy to implement.

All you have to do, is prioritise you.