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With everything going on in the world right now, it’s normal to feel a little burnt out. You need a vacation! At Boss Babe Chronicles we know how important it is to take time off, step away from your work, and focus on self-care.

Unfortunately, with the ongoing threat of the pandemic and government regulations discouraging travel, hopping on a plane is out of the question right now. 

But you do not have to forfeit your vacation days because a staycation is a fantastic alternative. In fact, it might just beat that stressful, expensive destination holiday that you had planned. Keep reading for tips and tricks to make your staycation one for the books!

Why Take a Staycation?

Even if you’re staying home, there are several good reasons to take some time off work and relax. Research shows that taking regular breaks is important for managing stress and maintaining productivity.

In many cases, employees who work fewer hours can get more done than their overworked counterparts!

It’s clear that time off is vital to your well-being, but do staycations offer any benefits over a traditional holiday? The answer is yes!

Compared to stressful and costly trips abroad, staycations are more affordable, easier to plan, and much more relaxing.

You won’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar cities, rushing to catch flights, keeping your kids entertained in a hotel room, or scheduling pet care while you’re away. Now that’s a holiday!

Make Your Home Feel Luxurious

Set yourself up for a comfortable staycation by making your home feel welcoming and invigorating. Clean your home or hire someone to do it—you are on vacation, after all!

Declutter, make your bed with clean sheets and get some scented candles and a fresh vase of flowers. If you live in a warm climate, hang a hammock in your backyard. 

Remember to pay attention to your staycation wardrobe as well! It’s normal to go shopping before a trip abroad.

Why not do the same for your home-based holiday? Splurge on a cozy bathrobe, a pair of fluffy slippers, and a set of silky pajamas. 

When it comes to your staycation outfits, you want to be comfortable without feeling like a slob. 

Do yourself a favor—ditch the ratty old T-shirts and splurge on a few new tops that make you feel put-together. Invest in a couple of bras designed for easy-wearing comfort. Your staycation is all about you, after all, so don’t be afraid to treat yourself!

Set Some Boundaries

Another way to prepare for a great staycation is to set some boundaries and make sure everyone understands that you will be unavailable.

Avoid the temptation to check in with work and see how things are doing in your absence. You may even want to delete your work email off your phone for the time being!

Don’t be afraid to say “no” to requests from friends and family while you’re enjoying your vacation. This is your time to focus on self-care!

Treat Yourself to a DIY Spa Day

Start your staycation on the right foot (no pun intended) with a DIY spa day. Dedicate the whole day to rest, relaxation, and self-care! Pour yourself a tall glass of ice water infused with lemon, mint, or cucumbers, and slip into a soft robe.

Steam your face, apply a detoxifying mask, lather your hair in a moisturizing hair mask, and soak your feet in a foot bath. An at-home spa day will help you get into the relaxation mindset and set the pace for the rest of your staycation.

Explore Your Town

Ready to get out of the house? Despite the pandemic, there are plenty of things to do outside. Act like a tourist in your own town and embark on a self-guided walking tour. Learn about the history of your town and take pictures of sights and attractions.

As you explore, shop from local businesses to offer your support during this trying time. You might just discover a favorite new café or bookstore! Just remember to do so safely by physical distancing, wearing masks, and disinfecting your hands often.

If you’re looking to get your blood pumping, venture into nature for a hike. There is evidence that nature has incredible effects on our well-being, so spending time in the woods is a fantastic form of self-care.

Cook Delicious Meals

A staycation is a perfect opportunity to dedicate a little extra time to food preparation. Monday Is Meatloaf recommends trying some recipes inspired by different vacation destinations around the world, like Irish soda bread or Korean BBQ.

If you don’t like cooking, order takeout! Take the chance to try some new restaurants instead of sticking to your old favorites. Expanding your palate with new types of cuisine is a great way to feel like you’re really on vacation.

Go to Bed Early

It’s easy to fall into a pattern of late nights and lazy mornings when you’re on vacation, but this can set you up for trouble when you return to work.

Going to bed early during your staycation will make it much easier to get back onto your normal schedule. Plus, getting to bed nice and early will ensure you get plenty of sleep during your time off! 

If you have trouble getting to bed on time, help your mind and body wind down in the evenings with a relaxing routine.

Turn off the TV, put your phone away, and dim the lights. Instead of watching Netflix or scrolling through social media, spend that last hour before bed reading, meditating, or doing yoga.

You’ll be amazed by how your sleep improves! Treating yourself to a staycation is a fantastic way to recharge and reset from a stressful year. While you may not be able to travel very far, taking some time off and relaxing at home can be just as rejuvenating.

For more lifestyle tips and self-care advice, check out all of the other self-care resources on the Boss Babe Chronicles Blog! You’ll be ready to return from your staycation feeling rested and revitalized.

This was a guest post by Soulful Travel. Jesse created Soulful Travel because she believes that travel is good for the soul. As crazy as it might sound, getting lost is often the best way to find yourself, so let this site be your compass to life-changing travel experiences.

pandemic staycation