The latest installment in an occasional series: how I unplugged over the weekend.

Technically speaking, this is how I unplugged the weekend before last. So, even though it’s not completely fresh, it is a useful thing to be able to pull out of one’s back pocket that seems worth sharing.

As you may know, February was rough. And my sweetheart and I have learned the hard way that you if marinate in the ick too long you just get mired in its sticky mess, and it takes that much longer to get yourself unstuck.

So… since the 20th was a gorgeous clear-blue-sky day, we were inspired to travel the Anti-Crisis Loop.* I never thought of this favorite day-trip as such, but this time I realized we only take it when Things Are Too Much. And it always makes things better.

The same principle is at work here as going on a retreat: traveling to a different vantage point to regain perspective.

But that doesn’t mean you have to travel far. Just getting out of your house to a coffee shop or park in your neighborhood may be enough (but perhaps not the favorite one you always go to – we’re trying to get out of our usual ruts and routines here). Someplace with a vista is helpful. I also rather like there to be water. Not too noisy or busy. Good smells are nice – those of nature, or perhaps baked goods. Outdoors works better for me, but I could see how indoor spaces could be useful too – say, an art museum (with its vista of history and creativity).

Oh, and no agenda. The Anti-Crisis Loop is about spontaneity – not planning or problem solving. Goodness knows your crisis is demanding plenty of that from you – and this is about taking a break from it.

The Anti-Crisis Loop is a companion to the Puttering Basket. And just as your Puttering Basket is more effective when stocked before the weekend, your Anti-Crisis Loop will serve you better if you know what it is before you need it. You don’t want to be planning a road-trip when you are totally overwhelmed – you want to make it as easy as possible to just GO.

Which includes making peace with that part of you that feels you should stay on work on your crisis and giving yourself permission to press the pause button.

To create your own Anti-Crisis Loop:

1. choose an itinerary for a quick restorative getaway
2. give yourself a permission slip to take it when you need it
3. learn to recognize sooner rather than later when that is

That last one is important. An Emergency Anti-Crisis Loop is better than none, but it’s better not to let things get to that point (see above reference to longer time-frame for unsticking from the mess). Know the signs of Too Much – exhaustion, worry, resentment, confusion. When they show up, leave them behind for a day.

Chances are, they won’t be waiting for you when you get back.

* Locals, here’s the loop: From Portland, take US-30W to Westport. Hop on the ferry for a short ride across the river to Cathlamet, Washington (my favorite part). Travel west on WA-4/401, then cross the river back to the Oregon side to Astoria. If you are hungry, stop at Gunderson’s Cannery Cafe. Then proceed south on US-101 to Gearhart and Cannon Beach making sure to stop and enjoy the vast perspective-restoring beauty of the ocean before returning to Portland via US-26. Oh, and give your dog every opportunity to swim along the way.

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Related posts:

1. The Anti-Newsletter
2. I Spy
3. Forced Unplugging
4. Off the Beaten Path
5. Anticipation