Hitting the Pause Button

Life moves fast—especially when you’re balancing a career, marriage, and kids. It’s easy to get caught in the routine of early alarms, long meetings, sports practices, and endless to-do lists. For a while, I believed that powering through was the only way to keep up. But over time, I realized something important: rest isn’t laziness—it’s necessary. That’s when I started embracing the idea of the weekend reset.

For our family, mini getaways—simple weekend trips, even just a few hours away—have become more than just a break from routine. They’ve become an essential ritual for recharging mentally and emotionally, and for reconnecting with each other. In this blog, I’ll share why these resets matter and how any family can make them part of their life.

Why We All Need a Reset

As a professional in my mid-40s, I’ve learned that unchecked stress sneaks up on you. It affects your mood, your energy, your patience—and, if you’re not careful, your relationships. My wife noticed it before I did. I was bringing work stress home, distracted during family time, and losing that lightness that once came easily.

Taking a step back, even briefly, made a world of difference. When we started planning mini getaways—a weekend at a cabin, a day trip to a nearby park, or even a Saturday spent hiking and unplugging—I found myself returning home refreshed and more grounded. And perhaps more importantly, our family felt closer. We were making memories instead of just managing logistics.

What Makes a Mini Getaway Powerful

A weekend reset doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. In fact, simplicity is part of the magic. When you strip away the noise—TV, emails, constant notifications—you create space for what really matters: connection.

Here’s what we’ve discovered makes these mini trips special:

• Limited distractions: No laptops, limited phone use, and no packed schedules. Just time.
• New surroundings: Being somewhere different, even if it’s 45 minutes away, changes your perspective.
• Shared experiences: Whether it’s roasting marshmallows or spotting deer on a trail, these moments spark conversation and laughter.
• Presence: You’re not thinking about yesterday or worrying about Monday. You’re right there—in the now.

Making It Happen: Planning Without Pressure

I used to think I needed a week off and a detailed itinerary to “vacation.” Not anymore. Now we plan short, stress-free getaways that don’t require weeks of preparation or a drained savings account.

Here’s how we keep it doable:

• Keep a list of local spots: State parks, small towns, lakeside cabins—have a few go-to destinations within a couple hours’ drive.
• Pack light and smart: We have a weekend bag ready to go with essentials. Less time packing = more time enjoying.
• Plan meals ahead: Whether it’s packing a cooler or mapping out a diner, avoid the last-minute scramble.
• Let everyone pick: One weekend it’s my wife’s call, the next it’s the kids’. Giving everyone a say keeps it fun.

Unexpected Benefits: More Than Just a Break

The benefits of these weekend escapes have gone beyond what I imagined. Here are just a few we’ve noticed:

• Improved communication: Away from the chaos, we have real conversations—about dreams, challenges, even silly things.
• Stronger marriage: With fewer distractions, my wife and I reconnect in meaningful ways.
• Happier kids: Our kids are calmer, more creative, and more engaged when they’re off screens and outdoors.
• Mental clarity: I come back with a clearer head and more patience—both at home and at work.

Building Memories That Last

One of my favorite memories was a simple overnight trip to a cabin in southern Illinois. No cell service, no TV. Just a fire pit, some old board games, and the five of us. We laughed, told stories, and watched the stars—something we hadn’t done in years. The kids still talk about it.

It reminded me that these are the things they’ll remember—not the busy weeks, not the chores, but the moments when we pressed pause and enjoyed being a family.

Start Small, Start Now

If you’re a working parent like me, carving out time for a weekend reset might feel impossible. But I promise, it’s not. Start small. Maybe it’s just a Saturday drive to a local trail, or a Sunday picnic in the next town over. What matters most is the intentionality—choosing to step away, recharge, and reconnect.

These weekends won’t fix every problem. But they’ll help you catch your breath, refill your tank, and remind you why you work so hard in the first place.

So pack a bag. Pick a place. And go. Your family—and your peace of mind—will thank you for it.