When most of us think of holidays, we think beautiful beaches, ski trips or city escapes. We also tend to think of a holiday as pure R&R, but the reality is planning and executing a vacay—even if it’s just a long weekend escape—can be super stressful. At the end of the day, what most of us really need on our days off is some downtime to rest, re-centre and recharge. Here’s where a mindful staycation comes in.
Unlike a regular staycation where you might party it up with friends or laze around the house doing nothing, a mindful staycation is all about taking time to get back in touch with yourself and find your balance. It’s about enjoying the small things, showing yourself some self care and reconnecting with the world around you. Here are a few tips on how you can make your next staycation more mindful.
Switch up Your Surroundings
Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery to clear your mind and give you a bit of perspective. Instead of frequenting your same old haunts, try exploring a part of the city you’ve never been to before, eating at a new restaurant or visiting a place you’ve always wanted to go to but never had the time. You’d be surprised how eye-opening it can be to break out of your bubble even just for a few hours.
Unplug and Switch Off
It’s hard to truly live in the moment when you constantly have notifications for emails, texts and social media distracting you and pulling you down the digital rabbit hole. Set aside a few device-free hours (or even a day or two if you can handle it) where you don’t use your phone, tablet, TV or computer. Immerse yourself in the real world instead. Take a walk in nature, meet up with a friend for coffee or just read a good old fashioned book.
Declutter Your Space
Doing a major house clean-up probably doesn’t sound like a relaxing way to spend a holiday, but studies show that tidying up can do wonders for your well-being. It forces you to take stock of your possessions and be mindful about what you need and don’t need. Plus there’s a real sense of liberation in letting things go, and you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment every time you come home to a clean, organised space.
Get Your Body Moving
It’s a proven fact that exercise helps to reduce stress and anxiety, improve memory, mood and sleep and boost feel-good hormones. Physical movement is also a great way to pull yourself into the present and get in touch with your own body. This staycation make an effort to get your body moving, even if it’s only a simple stroll through the park, an easy-going yoga class or a solo dance sesh in front of the mirror. Your body and mind will thank you for it later.
Plan to Do One Thing You Love
How many times have you planned a killer list of things to do on your days off only to end up bingeing Netflix shows and ordering take-out? The problem with being super ambitious about your holiday plans is that it can sometimes be overwhelming to follow through. The trick is to pick just one thing you really love to do. That way you can focus solely on that one thing, and you leave yourself open for whatever else might arise.
Put Yourself First
When life gets hectic, most of us just push forward without stopping to think about what is actually best for ourselves. A staycation is the perfect time to slow down the pace and listen to what you actually want and need. Feeling tense? Book a massage. Tired? Turn in early and take as many naps as you like. Feeling uninspired or stuck? Start a new project or try something new. Remember, this staycation is all about getting back to you.
