Vacation vs Reset: Knowing What You Really Need
We live in a time where the world feels heavy. The headlines are exhausting, the pace of change is relentless, and conversations in our communities remind us daily of job loss, burnout, and uncertainty. With so much happening around us and inside of us, it’s no surprise that many of us find ourselves longing for a break.
But here’s the real question: do you need a vacation or a reset?
It’s tempting to use these words interchangeably, but they serve very different purposes. Knowing which one you actually need can make the difference between coming back just as drained as before, or truly feeling restored.
What a Vacation Really Is
A vacation is usually planned. It often involves travel, getting away from your usual environment, and stepping outside of your routines. It’s about novelty, fun, and exploration. Think tropical beaches, bustling cities, or finally crossing something off your bucket list.
Vacations give you a change of scenery, and sometimes that’s exactly what the soul needs. But if your trip is jam-packed with activities and constant motion, you might come home more tired than when you left (ever heard someone say, “I need a vacation from my vacation”?).
Vacations are a break from your life.
What a Reset Looks Like
A reset doesn’t require plane tickets or an out-of-office email. It’s about recalibrating your mind, body, and routines so that you can return to your life feeling balanced and aligned.
Resets are intentional. They may look like:
Sleeping in and catching up on rest
Unplugging from technology for a day
Journaling, meditating, or praying
Cleaning out your closet or reorganizing your space
Cooking nourishing meals
Taking a solo walk without headphones
Spending time reflecting on what’s working in your life—and what isn’t
A reset is less about escape and more about clarity. Its goal isn’t just to “refresh” you with a temporary break, but to restore your foundation so you can move forward in alignment.
Resets are a recalibration of your life.
So, Which One Do You Need?
When life feels overwhelming, it’s important to ask yourself:
Do I need a break from my life (vacation)?
Or do I need to restore balance in my life (reset)?
Both are valuable. Sometimes you need to book the flight and step away. Other times, what you really need is a quiet weekend of sleep, reflection, and small intentional shifts at home.
The difference lies in whether you’re escaping for relief—or recalibrating for realignment.
Practical Reset Ideas for the Weekend
If a full vacation isn’t in the cards right now (financially, logistically, or otherwise), here’s what a simple weekend reset might look like:
Friday evening: Order takeout, light a candle, and write down what you want to release from the week.
Saturday morning: Sleep in, then make a slow breakfast. Go for a walk without your phone.
Saturday afternoon: Declutter one area of your home: your nightstand, your fridge, or your email inbox.
Saturday night: Journal about what feels heavy and what you’re grateful for. Limit screen time.
Sunday morning: Stretch or do light yoga. Drink coffee/tea in silence. Plan your week with intention.
Sunday evening: Meal prep or set out clothes for the week ahead. Create a small ritual that signals: I am ready for what’s next.
Sometimes, a weekend like this does more for your spirit than a five-day getaway ever could.
In seasons like the one we’re all in, where the world feels like it’s burning and the noise never stops, it’s essential to know what kind of restoration you need. Vacations are wonderful, but resets may be the overlooked key to longevity, peace, and clarity.
The next time you feel drained, ask yourself: Am I longing for a break, or am I craving a recalibration?
Your answer might just change everything.
