It’s a well-known fact that going on a vacation can do wonders for your mental and physical health as well as improve your mood and productivity. In today’s world of working and socializing from home, you’re sure to start longing for a much-needed getaway. The way we see it, now may be the perfect time to boost your mood by reliving the experiences typically reserved for a highly anticipated holiday. So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to discover how to create the perfect staycation from the comfort of your own home in just four easy steps.
Step 1: Unplug
We’ll just say it – the first step is the hardest. When home, school and work start to blur together, it’s vital to unplug, shutdown and disconnect. The vacation bliss you’re seeking can only take place if you’re able to remove everyday distractions like the ping of a work email or the most recent news alert. Setting boundaries, just as you would if you left on a traditional vacation, will allow you to focus on reconnecting with yourself and your family. So go ahead, pack away your makeshift workspace, switch your phone to airplane mode and breathe in a deep breath of fresh air, just like the one you took before the holidays when you finally turned on your out of office message. Housework and home improvement projects can wait as well. Who has ever heard of vacuuming on vacation?
Step 2: Eat Well
We experience a destination’s local culture through tasting its culinary specialties, which also creates a long-lasting memory of your visit. Make your staycation memorable by planning exceptional meals outside of your usual repertoire and eating them at an impeccably decorated table – consider adding fresh flowers and candles for an elegant touch.
Waking up to an indulgent breakfast of thick, crispy French toast or a made-to-order omelet with flavorful, fresh ingredients starts the day on the right foot. During your staycation from home – exchange the typically morning’s hustle and bustle for a leisurely meal, and use the extra time to plan your day’s activities. Might we suggest breakfast in bed?
For lunch, you can kick things up a notch by trying something refreshing like fish tacos with a spicy mango salsa alongside a cocktail (because you’re on staycation after all) or a slider packed with a unique flavor combination and a cold, craft beer. Bonus points if you can enjoy it al-fresco in the spring sunshine.
If you’re idea of a staycation includes catered meals and a break from kitchen duty, order in some international cuisine from a local restaurant you haven’t tried yet, and let your taste buds jet off to Mexico, India or somewhere in between.
Step 3: Treat Yourself
Make sure you return from your staycation with that fresh-from-vacation glow by spending some time in your own personal spa. With a few simple changes, you can transform any bathroom in to an award-winning spa in no time.
For warm, plush towels, start by giving them a quick spin in the dryer. Set the mood by turning down the lights and turning up a curated spa playlist, like these from Spotify. Aromatherapy candles or essential oils can ease feelings of stress or tiredness. Try lavender or eucalyptus to relax, or lemon and peppermint to feel more awake. Similarly to our sense of taste, our sense of smell also links closely to what we remember, so much so that while indulging in the scents of your favorite spa treatment, you may even forget you’re still at home. Remember to stay hydrated during your spa experience with herbal tea or fruit-infused water. Easily recreate this so-simple yet indulgent, drink at home by chilling ice water and infusing it with citrus, mint or cucumber for two or three hours before serving.
For an effortless refresh, try an at-home cleansing facial. After washing your face, create some steam from a hot shower or a bowl of boiling water and hold your face over steaming water with a towel draped over your head like a tent. Close your eyes, breathe deeply and finish with a detoxifying mask to rehydrate your skin with nutrients. After you have freshened your face, complete your staycation look with a manicure or pedicure.
Step 4: Have Fun
Vacations are all about breaking your normal routine, trying new things and taking time to reconnect. If you’re hiking in the Camelback Mountains, stand-up paddle boarding in the marshes of Florida or seeing the sites in New York City, you’ll return home with memories that stick with you forever. Keep yourself entertained during your staycation with your own itinerary of special activities like these:
- Wake up early for a streaming version of sunrise yoga in your living room. Use the “divine time” to attract more energy and positivity to face the day ahead.
- Take time to read a magazine or beach read outside or in a comfortable chair instead of turning to the television.
- Reconnect with friends and family by writing a letter or postcard, and then send it snail mail for a special surprise.
- Recreate a trip to the mountains by catching some vitamin D and exploring a new hiking path in your city.
- Add in some laughs with a game or karaoke night complete with easy indoor s’mores without the mess. Just broil a graham cracker and marshmallow for 1-2 minutes, and then top with chocolate for the perfect late night treat.
By the time your staycation at home has come to an end, we expect you’ll feel refreshed and ready to get back to work. When the time is right to start traveling again, there’s an Omni hotel or resort near you with even more unique culinary and activity offerings to enjoy.