by Gus Stewart: No time? No budget?
But still need a vacation anyway? We all experience points in our lives where our schedule or our budget won’t let us go on vacation, but our physical and emotional well-being depends on taking one. Even a short break from the daily grind can work wonders to rejuvenate and restore. Here are a few tips to help those on even the tightest schedules and budgets to find time for themselves.
Go during off-season. While this seems like a no-brainer for some, many don’t realize the incentives and potential savings that come with vacationing during the off-season. Most people don’t take advantage of the opportunities available during a lull in tourism, even if they do know the benefits. Whatever destination you choose, make the most of it by considering the things you can do during this time, as opposed to the things you cannot. The salty air of a beach can be refreshing and relaxing even if it is not perfect bikini weather. Traveling just before peak season starts or just after it ends is a great way to catch the benefits of peak season (weather, sights, etc.) without the crowds or price tags.
Staycation. This type of holiday is already common among those who travel for work and those with limited budgets. It can provide a nice break and is obviously the most affordable. Make it special by planning a nice dinner, sleeping in the guest room, and finding other ways to break your routine in the confines of your own home. This might mean using that bath bomb you’ve been saving, and creating an in-home spa day. Indulge in a bottle of expensive wine or opt for dinner reservations at the restaurant you only go to on special occasions. Consider becoming a tourist in your hometown and check out all the sights you have never taken the time to see. Whatever you choose to do, just make sure you aren’t using the time to do chores, which defeats the purpose of a staycation.
Go kid & pet free. Those with kids or pets (or both) know that they are an important part of the family and bring incredible joy to the lives they touch. That said, it can be difficult to focus on self-care when you are focusing on someone or something else’s needs. Whether you are taking a quick off-season trip or indulging in a staycation, don’t feel guilty about boarding your dog or leaving the kids with grandma so you can focus on taking care of you. Spending the entire time addressing your own needs will help you rejuvenate faster.
Finding the time and resources needed to take some time away from your daily routine is a hard thing for many people to do. Once stress and tension begin to build, we become less productive and less attentive to the things that matter most in life. Taking a conscious break from your routine through a quick off-season trip or a staycation can provide instant stress relief. Leaving the kids and pets at home can help ensure we spend the time focused on ourselves, and restore our gratitude by reminding us how valuable our time is with them.
