A revolution is starting… finally it’s about the value of your time and lifestyle.

I first learned about the value of time and balance in college –but was it actually possible to appreciate both back then? From classes and parties to exams and part-time jobs, balance just did not exist (for me at least). Enter post-graduation, where full-time jobs should provide some comfort and relief from the fast-paced instabilities that we only had energy for when we were a tad younger. Yeah, ’cause 24 is ancient, right?

Recently, CNN released a story about the Slow Movement in America. Organizations such as Take Back Your Time and The Long Now Foundation are promoting longer vacations and mandatory days off during elections. Only a small percentage, 14% to be exact, of Americans have an actual two week vacation this year. Lack of time leads to stress, hurts our health, threatens our relationships, weakens our communities, and neglects our self-care.

These organizations and similar ones that relay the same message are telling us to slow down, enjoy life, take leisure back, and change our behavior about how life should be.

Balance It can be found. It’s the holy grail of a healthy and happy life. Learn to prioritize self care along with other things you have to do.

Eat well Taking time to cook your food is important, and it is also crucial to enjoy your meals and snacks. If you are too bothered to sit down and eat, then you really do not savor and appreciate what you are eating. Also, you should spend time to learn about the benefits of good food to make sure what you are putting in your mouth is actually good for your health.

Relax Try yoga, meditation, or read a wonderful book. This is me time that you must set as a requirement to a wonderful and meaningful life.

Limit work Overtime is nice, but the extra hour spent with your loved ones is priceless. Somehow overtime has become a necessity, not an option. Learn to say no. The fear of losing your job because you can’t work 80 hours a week or can’t have a vacation is very, very sad. Even if you love what you do, you need a balance.

Sleep Huge factor to health. A third of your life should be spent asleep. And don’t try to play catch up on sleep hours– you need 8-9 hours of sleep regularly. Trust me, your body will thank you.

Vacation There is no time like now to start booking a wonderful vacation for the summer. I’m going to New Orleans in August and I’m planning Thailand in January. Possibly Hawaii. Plus, I intend to visit family here and there as well by taking longer weekends off from work. The first thing is saving for the trip. The next is making time for it. Don’t be scared to ask for that time off. You need it.

Go forth and spend your day how you have always wanted your day spent.

Find your perfect summer destination at Orbitz.com!

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