Intrinsic Motivation during COVID-19: Vacations
I recently read a Harvard Business Review article on the importance of taking a vacation during COVID-19. The article shared how a break from work strengthens intrinsic motivation. I am a huge believer in taking vacations and a break from work, especially now.
As many of you know, I have Bachelors degrees in both Adventure Recreation and Business Management. Having studied recreation theory and the history of recreation, taking a break from work and vacationing benefits both our physical and mental health. Staycations and mini-vacations are as important as long vacations. I try to take advantage of time in the outdoors as frequently as possible!
With current restrictions on travel and social distancing still highly encouraged, many people, including myself, have changed how we vacation during the coronavirus pandemic. This year, I have taken shorter vacations throughout the spring and summer that allows me to be safe and spend time with my family and in the outdoors.
I am very lucky and thankful to have family on Cape Cod, as well as a family cabin in the White Mountains of New Hampshire (off-grid). We have been taking long weekends instead of long vacations, which has allowed me to continue to run my company Sarah Scala Consulting during a shortened work week, while beating traffic on most weekends. One neat fact about Cape Cod is that is has the most ice cream shops per capita than any where else in the USA!
This year’s mini-vacations have included tent camping in our families’ backyards in both Falmouth and Orleans on Cape Cod, MA USA. This is much more socially distant then a campground or state park, and doesn't cost any money. When we are with our families on the Cape, we eat socially-distant dinners in their garages! We also enjoy our hammocks and spirited games of croquet!
We have also taken advantage of the opportunity to kayak both in the ocean, lakes and rivers. When we are home in the Boston area, we often paddle the Charles River or Mystic Lakes. On Cape Cod, we have been excited to explore Sipson Island. This island just became open to the public last month after private ownership for over 300 years! Learn more in this Smithsonian article. This island has trails for hiking, and you can fish and swim. We love to paddle with friends, as we can safely stay socially distanced. I have also been enjoying swimming and snorkeling.
We have biked the entire Cape Cod Rail Trail in sections (50 + miles) as well as the Shining Sea Bikeway on Cape Cod. In addition we have enjoyed Windham Rail Trail in Windham and Salem, New Hampshire. We also enjoy hiking on the Cape and the White Mountains. We go early in the morning when it is cooler outside to find wildlife, plus there are less people on the trails. Some animals we have seen include seals, great blue herons, shellfish, swans, horseshoe and hermit crabs, fish, bees, and a family of loons!
Getting outside safely has benefited me in many ways this spring and summer. It has allowed me to maintain excellent health, enjoy a change of scenery, spend time with family and friends, and clear my head. This has been particularly important in supporting a positive mental state in spite of the stress and uncertainty that abounds here in the US.
How are you maximizing your INTRINSIC MOTIVATION during COVID-19?
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About the Author:
Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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