Over the past year it seems our family pace has been going 100 MPH so in honor of Mother's Day, we decided to hit pause on the hustle & bustle and escape to a cozy vacation home on Cocoa Beach.

Just two days into our four-day getaway, we already feel the weight lifting off our shoulders. Despite not actively doing much, we can feel a sense of relaxation.

As I type these words, Ali is engaged in a game of pool with our 13-year-old son, while others frolic in the pool, sway on a hammock, golf, or fish for sea trout off the back dock.

We are celebrating Mother's Day today so after a stroll along an empty beach, Ali & I joined the rest of the family for a nice breakfast of Blueberry GF pancakes, sausage, eggs, and fruit.

Tonight, we plan to BBQ as we watch the sun dip below the horizon, followed by fishing under the moonlight.

What is uniquely amazing about this place is that it sits right in between both the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean which means we are blessed to witness the sunrise from the front and bid farewell to the day with the sunset in our backyard.

Already, we have been treated to sightings of dolphins and a gentle manatee right off our backyard, while the dock calls out with an abundance of fish waiting to be caught.

At night, we leave our sliding door open, letting the soothing sounds of the wind and lapping water lull us to sleep.

This retreat serves as a powerful reminder of why we prioritize family getaways during hectic times-to decompress and realign as a cohesive unit. In the midst of our busy lives, especially as our kids grow older, it is easy to feel fragmented.

Reflecting on the significance of this escape, I am reminded of the five health benefits that come with breaking away from the familiar and immersing ourselves in a new environment:

1. Reduced Stress Hormones: A change of scenery shifts us out of "high alert mode" leading to a decrease in stress hormones like cortisol and fostering relaxation.
2. Enhanced Sensory Stimulation: A new environment heightens sensory stimulation, triggering the release of dopamine - a pleasure-associated neurotransmitter- thus alleviating stress.
3. Mindful Physical Activity: Engaging in activities like walking, swimming, or fishing can release endorphins promoting tension reduction, mood elevation, and pain relief.
4. Escape from Routine: Stepping away from daily routines allows our bodies and minds to recharge, disrupting habitual stress patterns, and enhancing relaxation.
5. Grounding in Nature: Taking a walk on the beach, being outdoors, playing in the water, relaxing in the sun can help ground you, reducing blood pressure, promoting calmness.

Here is the message I want to emphasize: Burnout can be minimized with a little rest and rejuvenation.

In the midst of your busy schedule, take time to recharge both individually and as a family.

And the beauty of it? You do not have to wait for a full-blown vacation to do so. Incorporate 'mini breaks' into your daily, weekly, or even quarterly routine.

Start today-it is within your reach.

Wishing you a memorable Mother's Day weekend ahead!

- Dr. Derek 'heading to the pool' Taylor
(561) 867-1020