How to Have a Personal Staycation

We can't all go on a vacation, due to money or time restraints, or the many other things that hold us back. However, that doesn't mean that everyone shouldn't have a personal staycation. And truly, the best way to have a short staycation is to have a personal one - that is, take the staycation all by yourself. And why not? You deserve a break!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start your staycation by declaring that you will be taking some time for yourself. Send the kids to stay with Grandma. Tell your spouse to go hang out with his or her friends. Turn off your cell phone. Take some time to just be alone.

2. Book a day at a salon or spa, if that's something you'd be interested in. A few hours, or even 45 minutes getting a pedicure, can do wonders to help you relax. Treat yourself to the spa treatment that you've been craving.
   
   If you can have your staycation on a weekday, even better. You may be able to find discount weekday spa packages that would normally be more expensive on weekends.

3. Pour a glass of wine...and enjoy it all by yourself. Sit around and relax, and really savor the flavor. Drink it slowly and savor every moment of the relaxation.

4. Treat yourself to a nice lunch. Eating lunch alone does not have to be intimidating. Enjoy sitting alone. This is a great opportunity to read a book or people watch while enjoying a great meal. This staycation lunch does not have to be expensive - a $5 sandwich will be just fine - as long as you allow yourself to enjoy the lovely alone time and the delicious meal.

5. Set up a hammock or beach towel in your backyard and take a nap. One of the great things about vacation is sleeping, so a great staycation should be no different. Sleep, relax, nap, whatever you want to call it - but don't wake up until you're really ready.

6. Indulge in the things you love most. Eat some chocolate. Watch the sunset. Take some time to enjoy your hobbies. Why not do that knitting that you've put off for so long? How about finishing those beaded jewelry sets you started months ago? There are plenty of fun, relaxing things to do on a staycation.

7. Read a book or watch a movie. You never have time for those on a regular day, so a staycation is a great time to do these things. Or, just catch up on some TV that you've had sitting on your DVR for months. You know you meant to watch those shows, so why not now?

8. What it comes down to is that you should do whatever you want to do. After all, it's your staycation, so you set the rules!

[jull14]

on 7/6/2009 Thank you for sharing this information with me, it is very interesting, helpful for many here at ehow and the article is well written and easy to follow, thanks so much.

[cclofmead]

on 6/14/2009 I could use a personal staycation! Great article!! 5* rec

[ReuseItAll]

on 6/14/2009 I wish that everyone would do this for themselves!! I know we are all so busy in life but these little steps that you've spelled out create a great deal of peace and joy!! We get one life so we have to take time from our hectic lives to enjoy it for ourselves!!! Thanks for the reminder!