5 Self-Care Staycation Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank

Pexels

When the vacation bug bites, there’s no denying your urge to get away. But if your funds are on the lower end of the spectrum, destination options can be pretty limited. Luckily, there’s a little something called a “staycation” and it can be one of the most budget-friendly, rewarding experiences of your life if you just use your time wisely. In the name of self-care, take a personal day this month and treat yo self to a little relaxation.

1. Enjoy brunch in bed.

Pexels

Pop by the grocery store the day before your staycation begins and stock up on your favorite brunch essentials. That way, after sleeping in on your first day off (obviously), you can enjoy playing in your kitchen without watching the clock and prepping the kind of breakfast you wish you could enjoy every day. This is not a time for calorie counting — live a little and dig into whatever your taste buds are requesting. Take your time, savor each bite, and relish in the comfort of your personal space.

2. Meditate outside.

Pexels

Assuming you have a quiet little patch of nature nearby, head outside after brunch. (It’s okay to save the dirty dishes for the next day once your staycation is over, we won’t tell). Find a spot that’s comfortable for you — in the sun, in the shade, on a blanket, in the dirt, whatever your heart desires —and simply be in that spot. You don’t have to log a certain number of minutes or experience any sort of revelation. Sometimes taking a little time to reconnect with your natural surroundings helps you reconnect with yourself. Remember what it feels like to take deep, full breaths consistently. Notice if your brain is full of chatter or settling into a sense of calm. Observe any animal critters nearby or the wind rustling leaves or blades of grass around you. Feel the sun’s rays on your face. Do all of these things that you can’t do when you’re sitting behind your desk staring at a computer screen all day.

3. Read that novel you keep meaning to pick up.

Pexels

We all have at least one book on our bookshelves that we swear we will read the second we have some down time. Well, the time is now, my friend. Cozy up with your favorite pillow and blanket in an area of your home that has ample natural light, and let yourself just fall into the story line. Meet new characters, discover new places, and learn about new perspectives on this crazy world we live in. You certainly don’t have to finish the book in one sitting, but today is a day without time limits, remember? So indulge until you feel content.

4. Take a snooze.

Pexels

As your eyes grow heavy from turning page after page in your new reading selection, give in to your body. Think of all the times during your routine days and weeks that you wish you had the opportunity to just take a little nap and feel restored instead of grinding through deadlines and logging overtime hours. One of the biggest components of self-care is giving the body what it wants, so if you’re craving sleep, sleep. No one will wake you to do something else instead. Rise when you’re ready, and ditch any guilt you may feel about taking this time entirely for yourself.

5. Host a little wine tasting for yourself.

Pexels

The night before your staycation begins, swing by your local wine shop and snag a bottle of vino you’ve been wanting to try, or select a few at random from the sales rack for a little surprise (don’t worry, we’re keeping the budget factor in mind here). Then, when happy hour rolls around on your day off, you can sip on something refreshingly new and soothing as you watch the sun begin to set. Stick to your one “treat” purchase or set up a personal flight of wines to taste test. We have no doubt your friends can help you polish off the leftovers when the weekend rolls around, so waste is no factor to stress about. Make this evening about you and the perfect end to a tranquil day.