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Self Care Staycations: What They Are and Why You Need Them

Stephany

Jan 15, 2021

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A staycation combines staying at or near your home and vacationing. Add to that a little self care, and you have a self care staycation. The concept of staycation and self care go together like peanut butter and jelly. When you are not stressed by the logistics of getting to your destination and planning your vacation activities, you have much more time to focus on activities that feed your mind, body, and spirit. A self care staycation can bring you happiness, help you find some Zen, and leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. Without the hassle of travel schedules and lost luggage.

With COVID-19 posing continued travel concerns for many, staycations are an excellent alternative. We know that when people choose to use all of their Paid Time Off (PTO) days at work they tend to feel happier, more rested, and avoid burnout. However, with travel restrictions in place some may feel as if it simply isn’t worth it to use that PTO. We’re here to let you know that not only is it worth it, it can be extremely beneficial and rewarding. So go ahead and get your self care staycation on!

Why You Need a Self Care Staycation

Life can get seriously overwhelming seriously fast. And sometimes before you even realize it. It’s so easy to forget to have fun and take care of yourself. Scheduling a self care staycation is one way to reconnect with yourself and what is important to you. Once a quarter is ideal, but if that seems unrealistic, you can shoot for twice a year. It’s a great way to revive your energy, creativity, and motivation.

Plan Your Self Care Staycation

Pick a date and clear your schedule. If you have kids, you can include them in your self-care plans. Or, switch off and have dad watch them, and you do the same for him. After all, dads need self-care, too. If your job tends to take over your weekends, let them know you’ll be out of touch. Clear your schedule so you can focus on your self-care. Get ready to have fun.

woman receiving spa treatment with cucumber slices over her eyes

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Plan At-Home Spa Treatments

This can be a relaxing bath or giving yourself a manicure. Just make sure it’s special. Light some scented candles and turn on some music. Prepare yourself some fruit-infused water to sip on as you relax. Apply a clay mask and enjoy your bath while it sets. Add any little touches that help you relax and make it special.

Group of women practicing yoga during a self care retreat

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Take an Online Yoga Class

There are a ton of yoga videos out there, so whether you want an energizing or relaxing yoga session, there’s plenty to choose from. You find strengthening power yoga or restorative yoga that focuses on breath and relaxation and everything in between. Do what feeds you.

Woman laughing while eating a bowl of popcorn and watching tv

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Binge-Watch a Series

There is so much good TV out there these days that it’s hard to keep up. Almost everyone has a list of shows they mean to watch – one day. Your self-care staycation is the day. Make some popcorn and catch up on your watch list so that when your friends discuss the latest episodes, you’ll be in the know.

Fresh pasta being created with a pasta maker

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Take a Virtual Cooking Class

Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn how to make? Fresh pasta, for instance? And a zesty sauce to go with it? Sign up for an online cooking class. You’ll probably find that cooking isn’t as hard as you think, and you’ll soon be wowing family and friends with your new skills.

Woman practicing self care by meditating in the sunlight

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Practice Meditation

If you don’t meditate regularly, the thought of doing so can be daunting. And it does take some practice. A staycation is the best time to begin. Begin with 5 or 10 minutes and see what happens. At first 2 minutes may seem like forever, but if you make meditation a habit, you’ll soon find yourself looking forward to it.

Woman relaxing in a hammock overlooking a waterfall in a rain forest

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Spend Some Time in Nature

Try the Japanese practice of forest bathing. Which is just what it sounds like. Get out into nature and let it bathe over you. Listen to the sounds, take in the scents, and let the sunlight wash over you.

A group of women with a dog sitting and talking on a bench

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Reconnect with Friends

Because our lives are so busy these days, we often lose track of those relationships that sustain us. When you are working, a year without seeing your friends can go by in the blink of an eye. Schedule a quick phone call, FaceTime, or Zoom with your squad for some mutual support.

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Spend Some Time Reading

Take some time to read. It’s that simple. Find a cozy chair or stretch out on the sofa and lose yourself in a book for a few hours. That’s a luxury very few of us have these days, so enjoy.

Woman taking a nap on couch next to the window

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Take a Nap

We all seem short on sleep these days, so squeeze a nap into your staycation. Daytime naps can boost creativity, increase alertness, reduce stress, improve your memory, brighten your mood, and more. A mere 15-20 minutes is all you need to get the benefits of napping.

Woman with glasses enjoying resting her head on her hand

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Enjoy the Feeling

A low-key, self-care staycation can be the perfect reset for your life. Giving your brain and body a break will not only help with productivity but also increase your overall health. Do as much or as little as you wish, as long as it nurtures the part of you that needs it the most.

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Stephany

GR8NESS Writer

Stephany is a GR8NESS Contributing Editor who writes about pet care, CBD, stress, self care, meditation, time management, brain training, and natural remedies with a focus on the science behind it all. She has three dogs, three cats, walks half marathons, and practices yoga and powerlifting. You can often find her training her dogs or experimenting with new flavors in the kitchen.

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