✈️Staycations: A Convenient Way to Beat Burnout🕯️

Spring is the season of new beginnings. Fresh buds bloom, animals awaken, and the earth seems to come to life again. It’s also the time we start thinking about going on getaways and maybe seeing a new place or two. This year however, things are a bit different. You may have been quick to dismiss the idea of a staycation in the past but with travel restrictions in place indefinitely, as well as budget restrictions many of us are left firmly planted right in our own backyard. And not that our own backyard isn’t beautiful, it’s just not where many of us pictured ourselves being for so long.

Now is the time to get a bit creative. The backyard is a wonderful place to make special memories by pulling in ideas from a favorite past vacation or recreating one you were planning to have. Clearly, your couch can never compete with a Greek beach cabana, but in these unprecedented times, we’re left to work with what we have, right?  Bonus: you may even save some money without having to spend on a vacation away. 

Everything You Need for a Successful Staycation in 2022

If your spring break or summer getaway seems unlikely to happen at this point, consider these small hacks for a successful staycation. 

Move meals outside

Now is the perfect time to mix up your dining routine and get outside. Whether it’s breakfast on a sunny porch, a picnic at a nearby park, or a tasty backyard BBQ, eating outside makes mealtime special. Add in a few inexpensive touches like hanging lights and all-weather pillows and you’ve got yourself a beautiful dining space.

Camp in your own backyard

If the thought of packing up and visiting a campground isn’t your thing or if your space is limited, try a backyard camp out. Set up a tent, build a fire, roast those marshmallows, and enjoy a night under the stars - with the option of a bed nearby.

DIY Change of Scenery

Give your eyes a break from the day-to-day monotony by switching up your surroundings. Moving your bed by the window and reconfiguring the living room are small tweaks that can make a big difference in how we experience our living spaces. 

From wall hangings to scented candles, think big and consider the details. While your dream trip to Costa Rica may be temporarily on hold, waking up to a jungle wall mural in the living room is the next best thing - and just as Instagrammable.

Can’t make that trip to Arizona this year? How about ordering a cactus or three? Maybe some big leafy monstrosity to keep you company? Yes, you can have houseplants delivered in 2022 thanks to sites like the Plantsome and Fleur&co. Short of planting palms and installing a man-made beach in the house, it’s a very reasonable alternative.  

If you’re lucky enough to have yard space and somewhat cooperative weather, don’t forget to include it in your grand redesign. Toss an outdoor rug and some pillows on the lawn, and string some Christmas lights up in the tree. 

While Hawaii is on hold, have your own lockdown luau with tiki torches, lauhala mats, and of course, some really good Hawaiian food. An inflatable pool wouldn’t hurt, either would it? 

Unplug

Vacations are wonderful for many reasons but disconnecting from the outside world is right at the top of the list. The good news is, this can be done from anywhere as long as you make it a priority. Set aside time – like you would for a vacation – to truly disconnect from the outside world. Turn on your out of office, put away your phone and grab that book you’ve been meaning to read. You can unplug for a weekend or stretch it out for a whole week if time allows.

A Good Night’s Sleep

What's the one thing that everyone looks forward to on vacation? Finally having the time to catch up on sleep. You can easily do that during a staycation at home by giving your bed a few easy upgrades.

For a lot less than a weekend at the Four Seasons, you can enjoy a soft new bed set, cushy pillows, and a mattress pad long after your staycation has ended. Feeling extra splurgey? With the money you're saving by staying at home, why not spring for a brand new 5-star hotel quality mattress? 

Spa Time

If you have a tub, make time for long daily soaks. You can only do so much with a cramped apartment bathroom but try sprucing it up to the best of your abilities. The right bath caddy tray can make all the difference, so choose one with holders for your tablet, smartphone, books, wineglass, and whatever else you need by your side. Order in bougie soaps, lotions, potions, creams, and slather yourself silly. And remember, you can’t get in trouble for stealing your own bathrobe and towels so treat yourself to a fluffy white set for lounging post-soak. 

Eat Like You’re on Vacation

If the budget allows for it, try that new restaurant you’ve been meaning to visit, or hit up an old favorite. Many places have adjusted to COVID-19 by providing takeout and curbside pick-up options. Some have only ever done dine in, so take this chance to bring home a few new ones while supporting the local economy. This isn’t the time for boring sandwiches and sensible salads, unless, of course, that’s what you look forward to eating on vacation. Otherwise, go wild on food delivery services. Splurge on your absolute favorites. Bummed to miss out on your beach vacay seafood this year? Get the shrimp. Had to cancel your birthday trip to Paris? That's ok, you can still have the Chateaubriand delivered.

Keep it Moving

While there’s no denying the joy in snacking on the sofa for long stretches at a time, it’s no way to spend a whole vacation. Instead, set aside some time for yoga with an online class, or make walking or jogging part of your daily staycation routine. With gyms currently have stricter guidelines, a staycation could be a great time to develop an at-home workout routine that you’ll stick with as the pandemic drags on. Whatever you might need for your workout (kettle weights, resistance bands, mats, balls) be sure to order well enough in advance to account for slower delivery times. 

Turn your yard into a movie theatre

Setting up a theatre in your own yard takes a bit planning but the effort is well worth it. Put on a favorite movie, grab your snacks and enjoy an evening show right in your own backyard.

Why not try a Foreign Movie Night?! Instead of endlessly scrolling through the same titles on your usual streaming services, use your staycation to explore other options. With your passport temporarily in park, a foreign film binge is a great way to soak up new cultures and prep you for the day when you can finally visit in person. Streaming services like the Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, Apple, Crave, and Discovery+ all have a great selection of international titles. You can even rent films from your local library for free.

Explore the unknown

When you can go anywhere, it can be easy to overlook everything happening nearby. Your town or city has a whole host of things to see and do that you’ve maybe not taken the time to enjoy. Visit your local provincial website to see what’s happening near you.

 

Travel Alberta:

https://www.travelalberta.com/ca/things-to-do/summer-outdoor-activities/

Destination BC:

https://www.hellobc.com/summer

Tourism Saskatchewan:

https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/

Ontario Travel:

https://www.ontariotravel.net/en/plan

 

 

Burnout leads to the inability to function well at work or in your personal life. It arises when chronic workplace stress has not been successfully managed. Chances are, you’ve probably experienced some form of burnout at least once in your life.

Over the past year, many of us transitioned from a familiar workplace environment to working from home. This has led to new types of workplace stress that we have never experienced before.

Video meetings have increased our screen time, conversations last longer than they would in person, and there is a need to be on and overly attentive while on video.

Many people also feel compelled to be seen as more productive when working from home. We end up doing more immediate, less important tasks rather than tackling larger projects. This can make us fall behind, creating even more stress.

The need to juggle a healthy work/life balance has become essential. It has also become more difficult as the two worlds have merged.

Using vacation time is a great way to recharge yourself. Although, taking time off work with the inability to travel or attend events may not seem ideal. While we navigate new work environments and stressors affecting our mental health, taking time off work is more important than ever.

 

 3 Reasons Why a Staycation is Better Than No Vacation

Although it may not seem like it, staycations can be just as relaxing as a family road trip to Washington State. In fact, there are many benefits to vacationing at home.

1. More vacation time

Your vacation starts the second you walk away from your desk. There is no need to pack bags, make sandwiches, and sit in a vehicle for hours. Minimizing travel time gives you more time to unwind. Have you ever returned from a vacation and spent the day before work grocery shopping, unpacking, and doing laundry? With a staycation, you will have that extra day to relax without being stiff and tired from driving!

 

2. Planning your days is easier

It’s no fun paying for a much-needed vacation to spend majority of it in bad weather! Being at home, you know what activities you can do indoors and outdoors. You can plan your days in advance and have back up plans for days where the weather isn’t as good. You’ll never have to worry about rain ruining a lazy day on the beach during a staycation!

 

3. Supporting local

Not only will you save more money by vacationing at home, but you’ll also contribute to our local economy. Right now, is an important time to support our local businesses. You’ll be able to spend time with your family while helping another’s during this challenging time.

 

Taking time off is beneficial for your mental health and overall wellbeing. Right now, it’s crucial to use vacation time, regardless of what you get up to. Creating new experiences can make you happier. There is no better time than now to try something new!