Why you need proactive recovery and what that means

Hey, you! It’s time to take a freaking vacation.

No, I’m serious.

We both know you need one.

I’m not talking about a vacation that is jam-packed with things to do that make you feel stressed and anxious. I’m talking about a vacation that allows you to rest and recharge, avoid burnout, and feel like your best self.

It’s time you take a vacation for proactive recovery. 

What is proactive recovery?

Proactive recovery is often used in terms of addiction, but it’s more than that. It’s all about recognizing what the outcome of your current habits is and to understand that you need to be proactive so that you don’t head down a path you’re uninterested in. 

Burnout is on the rise. We’ve heard about it everywhere! (I’ve even written about it). 

Proactive recovery is an opportunity to take action before you hit burnout. It’s a time when you recognize the path you’re on, and you make changes to prevent hitting your wall.

When you practice proactive recovery, you’re making changes in your life that will better equip you for everyday balance. 

You can practice proactive recovery in your everyday routine, but you can also practice it by taking intentional vacations that will allow you to fully recharge and feel capable of taking on the days ahead. 

What are the benefits of proactive recovery?

Burnout is serious. You do not want to burn out. It can take years to recover from, and it’s damaging to your mental and physical health. Heading down a path to burnout is a dangerous and slippery trail. 

Proactive recovery is going to help you avoid hitting burnout. It’s going to knock you into the realization that you need to make changes in your life now to avoid burnout. Some of these changes are everyday lifestyle changes (things like meditating, journaling, and moving your body can be incredibly helpful), and some of these changes are going to involve doing things like taking time off and filling your time with things that bring you joy. 

This may sound like a travel agent wrote this because what I’m about to say may sound too good to be true. But research shows that taking a vacation can increase your productivity, reduce your stress, and improve your mental health.

A vacation is more about catching some sun rays or shopping through town. It’s about creating a space where you can step aside from your daily routine, regain balance in your life, and relax. 

By taking a vacation, you can learn how to practice proactive recovery and entirely shift the projection of your well-being. 

How do I practice proactive recovery?

There’s no right way to do proactive recovery, but there are lots of things that you can consider to help you practice proactive recovery well.

Start by spending time in a new location! There are amazing benefits to immersing yourself in a new place. This can be a new place close to home or a new place far away. It doesn’t matter! What matters is that you’re taking a step out of your regular routine to rest. If you spend time in a new place, you’re able to approach that place with fresh curiosity and open eyes. Your experience is likely going to be more authentic because you’re exploring. 

Another step in proactive recovery is to be intentional with your vacation time. What are your personal goals? What do you like to do? Don’t spend your vacation time scrolling on your phone or doing housework. Instead, make goals to do things that fill you up. Whether you’re going to go hiking in the alps or take pottery classes for a week while kicking it in a small town, being intentional with your time can help you create a more enriching experience. It will be life-giving to try something that you’ve wanted to try or to immerse yourself in something you know you love. 

One way to practice proactive recovery is to intentionally work with your job to ensure that you’re not adding more stress onto your plate before and after your vacation. You don’t want to start your vacation in stress mode, you don’t want to be stressed during your vacation because of work, and you don’t want to get back from your vacation and be overwhelmed with all your workload as you dive right back into your chaotic life. 

How do you do this? 

Boundaries! Set boundaries with your work. You’re entitled to your time off, and you should be taking it. Your work will still be there when you get back, and your work will survive when you’re gone.  

Understanding that you are entitled to relax and enjoy your vacation can help you better prepare for your proactive recovery. I don’t want you to be at risk of not being impacted by your intentional vacation because of your job.

Learn more

I’m a huge advocate for proactive recovery, and this is one of the reasons that I’ve launched the Rooted retreat. 

If you’re looking for an opportunity to practice proactive recovery with minimal planning, then Rooted is for you. I’ve ironed out all the details, so all you have to do is show up (at the airport—I have travel plans to get you to the beautiful location we’ll be staying at). 

Rooted is an opportunity for women to invite balance back into their lives and to learn how to maintain this balance when they return to their routine. I want to equip you with tools and resources that will help you maintain habits that support your true self. 

I’ve learned a lot about proactive recovery and how to actively invite it into everyday life. I want to take a weekend to teach you what I’ve learned so that you can feel your most authentic self every day. 

Finding your balance can change your life.

Learn more about Rooted and register today on my website.