It is Friday, and you are finally done for the week. You get home after an exhausting week, sit down into your favorite chair and just wish you were somewhere at the beach. It would be great if we could turn our wishful thinking into the present tense. Even if we are stuck at home for the weekend while our friends are vacationing, we can indulge in an epic staycation instead.
“Do not disturb! I’m on staycation.”
The whole purpose of a vacation is to enter the do not disturb mode. We spend an insane amount of time locked to our screens every day. So, you need to start your weekend staycation on the right note. Besides relaxing, your main goal is to limit screen time as much as possible. Put your phone on vibrate and put it somewhere away from the line of sight. Create a schedule for your phone – just pick the exact hours in a day to check your phone. You can check it once you are up, around noon and around dinner time. Limit the usage to just 15 minutes each time you check your phone. Commit to this whole “do not disturb” thing and just enjoy the moment.
Host a cozy movie night in the backyard
Proper staycation is incomplete without a fun group activity. Everyone loves to watch a movie in the open as it is a refreshing activity for everyone. Even the kids can join in the fun. In case the movie is too boring for them, they can still play outside.
In order to create the proper setting, you will need an outdoor movie screen and a projector. You can probably have some of your tech-obsessed friends lend the equipment. Then, move on to create the right ambiance. Proper lighting is essential. You need just enough light for people to find their way to the table with snacks and refreshments, so string lights are the best choice. Make sure you have enough blankets, pillows, and chairs for everyone to sit comfortably.
Without a doubt, you need to prepare a variety of snacks and beverages so go for the good old popcorn and nachos and cold beer.
Go on a long local hike
It’s time to switch things up and enjoy the great outdoors. Spending time outside is one of the most fulfilling activities. Find the most interesting trail in your area and invite someone to join you. Make sure to stick to checking your phone just three times a day, even when you are hiking. Walking is one of the best exercises as it does not put a lot of pressure on the joints (in comparison to running). Pack proper meals and enough water and make the most of the sun and warm weather.
See a historic landmark in your town
You can even spend a day being a tourist in your own town. First, do the research. Find all the landmarks and attractions that your hometown is famous for. Put on a fancy outfit that will incorporate that touristy vibe and explore the city. Visit at least one museum that has an exciting exhibition on. You might be surprised by just how many there are that are close to you. Have a coffee in the smallest but cutest cafe. You can even attend a sports event and support some of the local teams. If you know a foreign language, you can spice things up a bit and pretend that you are foreign. This will also give you an opportunity to speak a foreign language if you did not have an opportunity recently.
Create a chill zone at home
Proper staycation is incomplete without an in-house relaxing and pampering session. This can also be an opportunity for you to create a permanent chill zone at home you will use everyday. Start by picking the cosiest corner at your place. Then, think about the elements you might need for a proper relaxation. Nothing beats the stress like a full body massage, so think about getting a stylish massage chair. The massage chair like one of the revolutionary Inada Massage Chair will help you reach the state of stress relief, relaxation and better health. Add a few scented candles and your chill zone is ready.
Dine by the candlelight
Dining by candlelight is an ideal activity for the end of your weekend staycation. There’s something about eating outside that takes all of the pressure off. You can dine with your significant other or invite friends over for dinner. Even better – why not just enjoy it on your own. This can be perfect preparation for the upcoming work week and the perfect end to the weekend chill session at home. Either way, cook something light or have something delicious delivered (it is your staycation, so why would you cook for the night?). Have a glass of wine and maybe even finish the night off by getting lost in one of your recently purchased books.
With the right tips and a pinch of creativity, anyone can vacation at home without actually leaving their zip code. Taking the time to relax and unwind will increase the levels of energy and brighten up your thoughts. A proper weekend staycation is just as rewarding as the real vacation.
