Have you asked your spouse if he “went potty” one too many times this week?  Maybe you’ve used the signature tag “Thanks, Mommy” in an email.  If so, it sounds like you are in desperate need of a mental vacation.  But, where would you mentally go?

Begin the mental vacation process by finding a semi-quiet place to think your thoughts out.  This place could be in the shower, while you are jogging or in your car to and from work.  Think of a few things you would like to accomplish on your mental getaway.  Maybe there is a book you have been dying to read.  Maybe you want to spend a few hours or an entire day journaling.  You may just want to lie in bed all day long without any interruption.

Once you’ve decided, set the time and date of your getaway.  Then, make arrangements for the rest of your family.  Contact the grandparents and ask if they can spare a few hours or an entire day to watch the kids.  Having grandparents watch the kids prevents receiving calls from your spouse every thirty minutes asking you where the diapers are or the ever so famous, “Honey help, the baby made a poo!!”  Make sure your spouse is aware that this is your vacation and that he may want to find some friends to hang out with for few hours.  Or, to keep him busy you could leave a “Honey Do List.”

If your mental vacation requires you to be away from the house to get peace of mind, do some online research for a hotel room with plush bedding and a posh spa-like bathroom.  Order room service.  Take your favorite book and wine with you.  Enjoy your stay.  Having a spa day is a great way to mentally vacate from the pressures of everyday life.

If you are on a budget and your mental vacation time is limited, try going for a walk or run around your neighborhood or local park.  Believe it or not, a light workout relieves stress and tension.  As silly as this may sound, when I am unable to find a sitter or get away from the house overnight, I watch “The Travel Channel” and imagine myself at the location they are reporting on.

Having a “mental health vacation day” is good for your health and helps you maintain a stable and healthy relationship with your spouse and kids.  So treat yourself to a getaway.  It will make you and your family happy.