Local is lekker – loving your staycation

Who doesn’t look forward to the holidays?  It’s a time of year to down tools, relax and rejuvenate, and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones.  We don’t always have to travel far or have lavish holidays, and with the coronavirus, many people feel that the safest place is home.  There’s so much one can do in your own back yard and with a bit of forward planning, it’s easy to unwind this festive season.

The great things about holidays away is the change in routine and the new areas we often explore, so make the effort to do this even if you’re not going away.

Blurred lines

So many businesses have adapted to allow employees to work from home. While this may be a great cost and time saver in terms of petrol and traveling, one of the biggest drawbacks is that you never leave the office. Home and work blur into one.

Our devices are also all connected, so it’s easy to quickly check your emails or respond to a work issue while you are out shopping or even trying to relax on the couch! It can be very difficult to separate work time from me time.

Remove the technology

If you’re taking time off, first thing is to pack away that laptop and remove the emails from your phone. If they’re not there, you won’t be tempted. You can reconnect once you’re back at work. If your phone is used for mostly work, get a second phone with your private number and use this to stay in touch with family and friends. Put an out of office notification on your emails and chill!

Work out your budget

Taking a staycation is far cheaper than going away on holiday, but it’s nice to have a few extra Rands to be able to go out, eat out and maybe even spoil yourself. You don’t have to be on the rip every day but it’s good to have some extra cash if you need it.   If you know how much you have to spend, it’s much easier to plan.

Ditch the home chores

Don’t use this time to catch up on all those tiresome home chores that you’ve been dying to tackle such as sorting out cupboards, cleaning out the garage, or home repairs or renovations. This is all work and staycations are a time for relaxing – as you would if you were physically away from home. Fit these chores into your normal routine – tackle over weekends or evenings.

Cut back on the cooking

If you go away on holiday, you may seldom cook, so cut back your staycation cooking. Pre-cook and freeze as many meals as you can so you get some time off. Get the family involved in planning meals. Also, have dinner delivered every now and then as a treat if you can afford it.

Be a tourist in your own city

Someone asked the other day what things I would like to still see in my city. I have lived in one city my entire adult life and there are still places I haven’t visited. It will be the same for you.  Make a list of everything you want to see or do in your city and start doing it. If you have a partner or family, let them be part of the planning, and once you have your lists, decide which places will be visited from each list as you may not have the same ideas!  Or you could put everyone’s ideas into a jar, and then pick one activity each day.

Take some special day trips

Travelling feeds the soul and a good road trip is an excellent therapy. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune – you need some petrol money and a nice picnic lunch to enjoy on the trip. Don’t forget to pack some killer tunes to enjoy on the drive as well.

Change the routine

Do you know how nice it is to lie in on a weekend morning? That’s what makes weekends feel different so do the same when you’re on your holiday – switch off the alarm and sleep as late as you want to. Many people also take off their watches when they go away on holiday – it’s a great tip – so even if you’re at home, forget the time, stop looking at the clock and enjoy each hour at your own pace.

Binge-watch

Catch up on all the series and movies that you’ve been dying to see. It’s a great break from the hustle and bustle of the shops over the festive season, and you can watch as late as you want and sleep in the next morning!

Catch up on hobbies

You can revisit that interest or hobby that you haven’t touched for ages – perhaps it’s some gardening, or making candles or even just reading a book. Enjoy these experiences now, without any pressure of time.

Spoil yourself

When last did you buy yourself some flowers? Or go for a massage or facial? Look for any special offers for spa days or otherwise pamper yourself at home. Treat yourself to a home massage or have a long soak in the bath, accompanied by soothing music and some aromatherapy. Your body and soul will be completely revitalized.

Explore ‘alterative’ shopping experiences

So often, shopping is a rushed affair as we squeeze it in between all-out other priorities. How about taking the time to explore some of the organic or farmers’ markets in your surrounding areas? Most cities and towns have them and there is a wonderland of delights to be discovered if you take the time to do so.

There is so much to see and do and we often don’t even realize this until we literally stop and smell the roses. Enjoy your time off, don’t just sit at home and be bored – get out, explore your city, and make some wonderful staycation memories!