I went to Philadelphia with my husband this weekend to visit some family, and on the long drive home I got to thinking about why a weekend away can be so refreshing. Here are some of my thoughts on why and how a short weekend escape can be almost as restful and regenerating as a two week trip to Europe. I hope you are inspired to plan your own weekend away soon.
- A fresh perspective - Taking a weekend trip is like watching a hysterical new comedy after too many re-runs of Friends. The view beyond the familiarity of your neighbourhood, home and workplace can give you a fresh perspective on your life and challenges you might be facing.
- Time with people you love - Whether you are taking a road trip with family or friends, or visiting those that live farther away, a weekend trip gives you dedicated, quality time with those you love (like my nephew, Vir, above - too cute!).
- Try something new - Sometimes it takes a forced break in your normal routine to try something new. If you enjoyed gallery hopping, a long walk in the woods, or a game of bocci ball on your weekend escape, schedule these activities into weekends at home.
- Escape from the daily grind - Use a weekend away as the perfect time to reboot shut down! Turn off the blackberry and put bills, errands, chores and work stress behind you as you drive away (fly off).
- Be inspired - Inspiration comes from all around us, whether it be from stylish locals in a town you are visiting or a beautiful table setting at a friend's home. Note (either mentally or literally) the things that inspire you and find a way to incorporate into your life at home.
Disclaimer: Sometimes a weekend away can magnify dissatisfaction in your own life upon your return. Your job, annoying friend or studio apartment seem to get to you far more than before. Give yourself a few days; if you still feel that way, use that feeling as a leverage for change!

![[del.icio.us]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/delicious.png)
![[Digg]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/digg.png)
![[Facebook]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/facebook.png)
![[Google]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/google.png)
![[MySpace]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/myspace.png)
![[Newsvine]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/newsvine.png)
![[StumbleUpon]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/stumbleupon.png)
![[Technorati]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/technorati.png)
![[Twitter]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/twitter.png)
![[Email]](http://inlifeandinfashion.com/wp-content/plugins/bookmarkify/email.png)













{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Great post! I am just an hour in from my own weekend away and I nodded my head in agreement with every point.