As I sit here at the beach, I can't help but realize just how much I really needed this vacation. A few days to escape the responsibilities of my everyday life -- except writing this. Strolling along the beach taking pictures at sunset and eating fresh donuts every morning. I remember what it's like to not be stressed out all the time, and it is glorious! Life was starting to wear me down mentally, emotionally and physically. It was time to get away from it all for a few days. This year it was even better, not only is it a vacation, it is a family vacation. So, for the first time, I get to spend quality time with my adorable nieces. I know that not everyone's vacations are like this. I know that having a two-year-old and a four-year-old running around doesn't sound appealing to everyone -- but it has been great! Plus they're really cute! So here are a few reasons why everyone needs a vacation every now and then.

1. Relaxation

Sometimes you need time to unwind, and most of the time we don't have a whole lot of time to set aside for ourselves. Maybe a few minutes here and there, but nothing substantial. Life can begin to take its toll on us. It can be hard to find even those few minutes to relax and clear our heads. Between work, school and life in general; the struggle is real.

2. Sleeping in

With no schedule to follow, the chance to sleep in becomes irresistible. No reason to wake up early, no meetings and no responsibilities whatsoever to wake up for. The good life! Everyone deserves to have this for a few days. Waking up at noon and not having to feel any gulit for it. It's vacation, you're allowed to be lazy if you want to. If you're the type that has to be up early, then you do you! It's your time.

3. Travelling

Whether it's across the world or maybe just across town for a day trip, travelling can be a major upside to vacation. There is no adventure too small. Sometimes you feel like you need to escape all together and go out of town for a few days. Sometimes a staycation with a short trip to the grocery store is all you really need. There is no wrong way of how to spend your vacation time.

4. Free time

What even is this? What do you do with it. It can be hard to handle sometimes. There are so many things that can be done, how do you choose what to do first? Sometimes, it's things around the house that need to get done. These are often set to the side for so long, or put off for more important things life school and work. So when you actually have time to get them done, it can be hard to decide what task to do first.

We pile on those to-do lists like no tomorrow and when we actually have vacation or free time, do we take on those to-do lists? Sometimes. Usually we just become couch potatoes. But, hey, there is nothing wrong with it. We've earned the right to become couch potatoes!