The holidays this year may look a little different, but a positive attitude can certainly help make them feel the same. Everyone can use some great ideas for a holiday staycation! After all, the holidays are about spending time with family, friends and taking a break from regular everyday life. It is something we look forward to all year long and also something that brings many people joy and happiness. Many of us are used to traveling during holidays. Whether that means visiting family in another state or traveling overseas to relax by a beach, we know how much you look forward to this time. Here at Global Traveler, we want to ensure you have everything you need to make the most of your ‘holiday staycation’. We want to ensure everyone is keeping the holiday spirit alive! Here are 5 Great tips for a Holiday Staycation!
1. Set Goals & Create a Routine
One of the best things you can do for yourself mentally is set goals & create a routine. It is important to have something to look forward to and also keep yourself busy to avoid negative thinking. Scrolling aimlessly on social media can be entertaining, but it can also affect your mental health, especially by decreasing your sleep. Setting a daily schedule for yourself, the same way you would on a vacation, will help eliminate lots of stress and get you excited for the day. Set an alarm to get up and start your day! Choose which days you are going to get some exercise, cook meals, read, watch a movie, start a new show with a friend, facetime someone far away, etc. Do not overschedule yourself and allow for some spontaneity but definitely find a way to hold yourself accountable for your daily goals. You will be surprised how much this can help reduce anxiety, stress and ultimately relax. Now you are ready to see the other great tips for a holiday staycation!
2. Invest in At-Home Entertainment
Looking for that perfect gift? Now’s a wonderful time to buy someone a game that they can play at home or virtually with family and friends. Since we are all doing our part to stay home as much as possible, there is no better way to keep yourself entertained. Jenga is an amazing family game to play in person. Players stack wooden blocks to create a tower and then take turns pulling out blocks one by one and placing that block on top of the tower. The first player to make the tower fall loses! You can even buy two Jenga sets and have two games going at once. You would then have the winner of both games play against each other in a tournament-style competition. If you’re more into card games, you can check out Monopoly Deal, Dutch Blitz, Phase 10 or Uno as some other fan favorites! Getting a new entertainment system is a fine way to have a great staycation!
3. Competition
I know we mentioned competition with games in #2 above, however there are several ways you create competitions with family and friends who are near and far. You can always have a cookoff, Top Chef Style, where each household is given certain ingredients, and you must produce your own recipe and see whose comes out best! If you have an apple watch or another similar fitness tracker, you can do fitness competitions. Apple has a great fitness tracker on the Apple Watch that allows you to compete and challenge your friends! Whatever the competition, it will surely brighten your day and bring some energy and excitement into your home.
4. Try Something New
Trying something new is always exciting! Maybe an art class or a recipe you have been dying to try but haven’t had the time? Now’s the perfect time to invest in yourself to learn new skills or pick up a new hobby. If you do not want to spend money, you can find awesome tutorials and even fitness classes online on YouTube. There are also other amazing websites that allow you to take classes right from your home. As example, Master Class is an online education platform where you can access tutorials and lectures on certain areas of interest. This includes Business, Arts, Cooking, Space Exploration, etc. What better way to spend your time than exercising your mind and learning something new.
5. Relax & Take Care of Yourself!
With all that is going on, it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. Sometimes, it is extremely important to put yourself first and make sure you are taking time out of your day for self-care. Here are some great ways you can practice self-care right from your own home. This unexpected gift of time can help reduce your anxiety, improve your relationships and set you on a healthier life path overall.
- Journal – The 5 Minute Journal is a great way to practice gratitude.
- Take a walk around your neighborhood to clear your mind and gather your thoughts.
- Call someone you have not spoken to in a while and catch up.
- Watch a sunrise or sunset.
- Start your day with a meditation.
Thanks for reading. And with that, we wish you and your loved ones a healthy, happy, and safe, holiday season!
From all of us at Global Traveler
