STAYCATION!

This article is (in-part) courtesy of Julie Johnson of Travel Light by JJ.

As much as I want to be out there on the clear ocean seas there is no better time than now for a staycation. What is a staycation? It is when an individual or family decides to stay home and participate in leisure activities at home or within driving distance of their homes. They do not require accommodations.

Here are some wonderful activities to consider for your staycation:

1. Wellness

a. Master the art of taking naps. A good nap will reduce stress and can brighten your mood. Rest and relax.

b. Try Yoga or Meditation. Check out these apps for meditation: Calm or Headspace.

c. Read a book that you have not had a chance to finally enjoy or get out your bucket list travel book to see where you might want to venture to when we are all out of time-out. Get lost in your dreams.

d. Take a bubble bath or give each other massages. Light the candles, add aromatherapy (careful if you have animals) and escape.

e. Create your own spa day at home. Try a face mask. Your face will be amazingly smooth – especially if you leave in on longer. How do I know this?!?!? I did it because I wanted to make sure it worked. LOL!

2. Adventure/Activities:

a. Get out the backgammon or chess game. Turn off all your devices and get away from all media distractions. Or have a game or movie night with snacks and popcorn.

b. Have a picnic in your yard. Get your grill going for backyard football at-home tail-gating or yard games weather permitting.

c. If you cannot go abroad right now for your culinary experience bring it home. Watch a cooking show and try to make that special dish at home. Enjoy a food tour of the world in the comfort of your own kitchen.

d. Get a jump start on your yard and gardens. Rake the leaves and get your gardens ready for winter. Buy gorgeous fall flowers, i.e. mums, fall pansies, etc. to make your home look welcoming to you and neighbors.

e. Try something new like Geocaching. If you love scavenger hunts or hiking this activity is for you. You can download the free official app or paid premium app. Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

f. Get out for a walk or hike. This will help relieve stress and clear your mind. I take my mother-in-law’s dog, Misty, out when I need fresh air or just to walk away from my desk. You never know what you will see in your own backyard.

g. It is the perfect time for a DIY project. I am working on my home and office organization (and not doing well). Do you have a special project? Watch YouTube about your project and be your own expert.

h. Take a scenic bike ride or play a game of tennis.

3. Stay connected: Schedule a virtual meeting with family and/or friends. You can create a free Zoom account that allows you up to 40 minutes of use per meeting. Or you can upgrade for unlimited use and up to 100 guests. Have a party or game night online. Keeping in contact is very important during this time. Talking to people, even virtually, is good for the heart and mind. Texting and emails are great but seeing each other face to face is the best! Give each other virtual hugs! Get creative! Don’t let loneliness take hold.

Staycations are very inexpensive. This allows you to save up for your next travel adventure once we are traveling again. There is a saying by an unknown person: “Every storm eventually runs out of rain”. Remember: This too shall pass!