We all have routines, whether it’s work, classes, our children’s schedules, or something else. Weeks go by quickly, turning into months and seasons and years. Reflecting back, sometimes the most memorable part of a year is the vacation we took: the time we spent in a new place and without the structure of our routines around us. We soak up the new sights and experiences, the novelty around us reminding us to stay mindful and present and to enjoy our trip.
But you needn’t leave town to have such an experience! If packing up and going somewhere doesn’t appeal to you, you can still take a break and experience the presence and pleasure that come with it. The concept of a “staycation” probably isn’t new to you. But, because staycations take place in your home (which offers many distractions), just a bit of planning and mindfulness can make them the best they can be.
Plan: we may balk at the idea of planning our staycation, but beware: without a plan (whether home or away!), you may end up spending your mornings going back and forth, deciding what to do. Planning ahead frees your mind from decision fatigue, and gives you a sense of purpose when you get out of bed in the morning.
Tackle a project: a challenge of being at home is that projects that you’ve been meaning to work on are all around you. To avoid the guilt that may come with seeing those unfinished projects, choose one or two to work on during your staycation. Plan them into your schedule! It will give you a sense of accomplishment and pride to complete them.
Sightsee: part of living in the same place is that we often put off seeing the sights in our own city or state. Make it a priority to choose new places to visit: museums, restaurants, parks, etc. It’s amazing how foreign your own hometown can feel, once you realize all it has to offer.
Limit your screen time: it’s easy to get sucked into loitering in your email inbox or on Google, mindlessly scrolling. Nothing takes the joy out of free time quite like the black hole of the Internet! With that in mind, make sure you limit your screen time during your staycation. When you feel the urge to check email or look up a recipe, be mindful of your other options: make a phone call, or use a recipe book! You might even choose to plan a 24 hour break from technology.
Practice gratitude: without the structure of your usual schedule, you may find yourself noticing your home in a new way. Sleep in, savor your cup of coffee or tea, make a fancy lunch, do some stretching. Be mindful of all your home does for you: shelter, warmth, a place to display the things you love, a place to host guests, and place to feel safe, to feel like you belong. Your house works hard! Practice mindfulness of these gifts by being grateful whenever you notice them. In the words of Marianne Williamson,
“Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how good things really are.”
Doesn’t a staycation sound delicious? If you would like more ideas, Houzz has a lovely list of 25 ways to make your staycation special.
Have you taken a staycation before? Share your favorite part in the comments! What made it great?
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