Yes, you read that correctly. I am advocating taking a break at the start of the year. Why am I saying this? Think about it, you want to start your year fresh and renewed, don’t you? One of the best ways to do this would be to take some time away from your routine life.

This year, I tried to test this theory by going on a week long vacation at the end of December and extended it to the first week of the New Year. Boy, did it feel good! I am the type of person who likes to spend time alone, without too many people. Of course, I understand that not everyone is made this way. So anyway, I went to this isolated place – an island to exact – where there were only a handful of people.

This gave me time to think and reflect. I was able to align my priorities and get rid of the stress that had been hounding me all throughout the year 2007. The whole trip was great for my health – physically and emotionally.

I was able to get more exercise than I have had during the past year. I got off my butt and actually walked around, swam, and went boating. I was eating healthy food for the whole week. I was not dwelling on things that had to be done. I was not thinking of all the responsibility that lay on my shoulders.

Of course, the week was great for me but I realise also that the whole theme of the break had to continue when I got back to my “real world.” That is another story altogether but the fact remains that I believe I have started my year right by going away. You should try it too!