In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to get caught up in the cycle of work, obligations, and even leisure activities that often feel more like commitments than genuine breaks. Recently, I picked up Mr. Spencer, by T.L. Swan, a book that introduced me to the idea of taking a true break—one that isn’t just about stepping away from work but about allowing yourself to truly pause and reflect. This led me to explore the concept of a “Time to Think” (TTT) trip, a dedicated period for mental reset and clarity.
What is a Time to Think Trip?
A TTT trip isn’t about sightseeing or cramming in as many experiences as possible. It’s not even about traveling far from home. Instead, it’s about creating space—both physically and mentally—to process thoughts, reassess priorities, and gain perspective. This doesn’t necessarily mean a vacation in the traditional sense. For me, vacations often leave me more exhausted than I was before I left. Whether it’s the pressure of planning, the constant movement, or the feeling of needing to make the most of every moment, I often return feeling drained rather than refreshed. Maybe I’m just doing vacations wrong, but I have a feeling I’m not the only one.
Why Do We Need Breaks More Than Ever?
Lately, it seems like people are burning out faster than ever. The modern world demands constant engagement—notifications, work expectations, social obligations, and even the pressure to be productive during free time. The need for breaks has become more urgent because our minds are overstimulated and under-rested. The issue isn’t just about needing time off work; it’s about needing time away from the mental clutter that comes with daily life. In conversations with friends, family, and coworkers, I’ve noticed a common theme: everyone seems tired. It’s not just physical exhaustion, but mental fatigue that’s weighing people down. Many of us are juggling multiple roles—parent, worker, partner, friend—and there’s little room left to breathe. Whether it’s the endless stream of emails, the pressure to always be “on,” or the growing to-do list, it feels like there’s never enough time to just be. This overwhelming feeling of constant fatigue isn’t unique to me; it’s a shared experience, one that many are grappling with.
The real question is: how do we break out of this cycle? It’s not about taking more vacations or working harder, but about intentionally stepping back and creating space for mental clarity. When everyone around you is feeling the same sense of exhaustion, it can be a wake-up call to slow down and prioritize what truly matters. A TTT trip—no matter how small—might just be the reset we all need.
Finding a Refreshing Escape in Books
One of my favorite ways to reset is by reading in a cozy atmosphere somewhere new. Not necessarily an elaborate getaway, but simply changing my surroundings—maybe a quiet cabin, a secluded café, or a peaceful park bench. There’s something about being in a new environment that allows the mind to reset in a way that staying at home doesn’t quite accomplish. Reading transports me to another world, but when combined with a fresh setting, it becomes an even deeper form of escape and rejuvenation.
And when I say reading, I’m not talking about the pressure of keeping up with the fast-paced, trend-driven world of BookTok or BookTube—where the goal seems to be cramming in 100 books in a month or doing intense 24-hour reading marathons. To me, the joy of reading isn’t about quantity or speed. It’s about truly immersing myself in a good book, savoring each page, and allowing the story to unfold at its own pace. It’s less about checking books off a list and more about losing yourself in a narrative that gives your mind the space it needs to unwind.
Creating Your Own Time to Think
If you, like me, find that vacations don’t provide the rest you crave, maybe a TTT trip is what you need. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—just intentional. Whether it’s a solo weekend retreat, a day trip to a peaceful spot, or even just setting aside a few hours for uninterrupted thought, the goal is to give your mind the breathing room it desperately needs. Take a book, find a cozy spot, and give yourself permission to pause. You might just find the clarity and refreshment you’ve been looking for.
In Mr. Spencer, the idea of a TTT trip wasn’t just a one-time thing—it was something that became a regular practice. A yearly habit, dedicated to mental reset and reflection. If you find that taking breaks helps you gain clarity, maybe it’s worth considering incorporating a TTT trip into your routine. Setting aside a designated time each year for reflection, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, can provide an invaluable opportunity to reassess your priorities and gain fresh perspective. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but making it a recurring habit might be just what you need to stay mentally refreshed throughout the year.
But what if you’re not much of a reader? There are still plenty of ways to engage in a meaningful reset. For some, simply taking a quiet walk in nature, sitting by a tranquil body of water, or doing some light journaling can provide the mental space needed for reflection. The key is to find an activity that allows you to slow down and tune into yourself, without distractions or the need for constant engagement. Whether it’s listening to a calming podcast, practicing yoga, or even just sitting in silence with a cup of tea, creating a space to reflect is what matters most.
Let me know in the comments if you can relate or feel like you could use a TTT trip! Sometimes, we get so caught up in the busyness of life that we forget how important it is to step back and just be for a moment. Whether it’s reading, walking in nature, or just taking some quiet time to reflect, we all need that space to reset. I’d love to hear what your ideal “Time to Think” trip looks like!
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