The Power of a Mini Break: My Weekend in Prague
As a psychotherapist, I often encourage my clients to take breaks—not just from work, but from routine, stress and the mental loops that can keep us feeling stuck. Stepping away, even for a short time, can provide a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and a sense of presence we often lose in daily life.
Recently, I took my own advice and spent a weekend in Prague, a city that perfectly balances history, beauty and tranquillity. What I found was not just a change of scenery, but a reminder of why short getaways can be so powerful for mental well-being.
Mindful Wandering Through History
Walking through Prague’s Old Town, I let myself be fully present—the cobbled streets beneath my feet, the towering spires of the Astronomical Clock, the hum of street musicians playing under Charles Bridge. There was no agenda, no rush. Simply allowing myself to be in the moment brought a quiet sense of peace—something we often chase in meditation but can find naturally in new environments.
A Change of Scenery, A Change of Mindset
Daily life can feel repetitive, leading to burnout and mental exhaustion. Travel provides a much-needed pause, allowing your mind to reset and shift away from worries. Neuroscience tells us that novelty stimulates the brain, improving mood and cognitive flexibility. Exploring Prague Castle and trying Chimney Cake for the first time (a sweet ice cream filled pastry) reminded me that travel, even for just a weekend, can shift our mindset. It disrupts the autopilot of daily life and invites us to see the world—and ourselves—through fresh eyes.
power of the sun
Seeing blue sky and feeling the sun on my skin was the biggest tonic - in what has been a long dreary start to the year in England. Sunlight increases serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone, which helps combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and low winter moods. The blue sky gave me a sense of calm and optimism, lifting the heaviness of grey, overcast days .Sunlight exposure also helps balance melatonin levels, making you feel more awake during the day
Slow Moments & Simple Joys
One of my favourite moments was sitting in a beautiful hidden café (called Pauseania, if you were wondering), sipping coffee and demolishing a salted cream profiterole, as I watched the world pass by. It was a reminder that rest isn’t just about doing nothing—it’s about allowing ourselves to pause, reflect, and enjoy simple pleasures without guilt. In a city full of cafes - this one was so good - I went back the next day!
Bringing the Calm Home
A weekend in Prague won’t solve all of life’s stressors, but it can be a reset button. The key is bringing some of that presence and self-care back into daily life. Neuroscientist Rick Hanson talks about instilling positive moments in our memory so that they can sustain and nourish us. There were snapshots of Prague (such as the view from the top of the mini Eiffel Tower or the breath-taking beauty of the opera house) that I committed to memory so that they can be called upon in times of need.
Sometimes, the best therapy isn’t found in a session—it’s found in new places, new experiences and a reminder that we deserve time to simply be.
Where’s your next mini-break taking you? 💙