Sometimes the best way to relax is to stay where you are. We often forget that we can rest and reset without packing a bag because of how busy and stressful life is and how much we want to “get away.” A mindful staycation lets you take things slow, reconnect with yourself, and make a calm space for healing, all from the comfort of your own home.
Here’s how to plan a staycation that focuses on being present, having a purpose, and relaxing deeply, whether you have a long weekend or just one day off.
Make Your Oasis
Your space is the first step to a calm environment. Before your staycation starts, take some time to clean up and make things calm. Open the windows, light a candle, or use essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus to make the air smell nice. The goal is to make it clean, cozy, and quiet. Think of it as making your own private wellness retreat.
If you can, set aside a few “retreat zones,” like a reading nook, a yoga mat corner, or even just a clean spot by a window with soft lighting. A few small things, like fresh flowers, a soft blanket, or relaxing music, can make your home feel like a safe place.
Unplug to Reconnect
Your mind needs as much rest as your body, or maybe even more. A mindful staycation is the best time to turn off your phone. Turn off email notifications, set your phone to “Do Not Disturb,” and stay away from social media. This isn’t about shutting yourself off from the world; it’s about deciding where to focus your attention.
Start your day without looking at screens. Instead, get up slowly with a cup of tea, some soft music, or a few deep breaths. Even a short break from screens can give you a surprising amount of mental clarity.
Begin with Purpose
The way you start your day sets the tone for everything that comes after it. If you can, skip the alarm and let yourself wake up naturally on your mindful staycation. Start your day off right by doing something calming, like writing in a journal, stretching, or just sitting quietly with a warm drink.
You can find short guided meditations in apps like Calm or Insight Timer. Or make a list of three things you want to do today: how you want to feel, what you want to focus on, and what you want to let go of. These little things give you a sense of purpose and stability.
Gently Move Your Body
Moving your body is a great way to get back in touch with it, but this isn’t a workout challenge. Instead, pick slow, healing exercises that help you be present and heal. Consider yoga, tai chi, a long walk in nature, or just stretching to soft music.
The goal is to move with awareness, not with force. Don’t worry about how your body looks; pay attention to how it feels. Moving your body mindfully for just 15 minutes can change your energy and make you feel better.
Take Your Time to Eat Well
Your staycation is the perfect time to take your time with your meals and enjoy every bite. Make something healthy, colorful, and comforting, or order your favorite healthy meal from a local restaurant to support them.
Stop before you eat. Take note of the smells, colors, and textures. Eat without distractions so you can focus on the tastes and feelings. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being there.
Even if you’re eating alone, make the table look nice for a special touch. Use real dishes and light a candle to make your meal feel like you’re eating at a cozy café in a quiet part of the world.
Go Outside, Even for a Little While
Nature is a great way to lift your spirits, and it’s easier to get to than you might think. You don’t need to live near a forest to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Your backyard, balcony, or local park can all do the trick.
Sit in the sun, listen to the wind, or walk slowly with no destination. You can also spend time barefoot in the grass. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, bring nature inside. Houseplants, nature documentaries, or even a view from a window can help you relax.
The point is to notice, appreciate, and reconnect with the world around you as it is.
Do Something for Yourself Only
Mindfulness doesn’t always mean sitting still. It can also mean getting lost in something you love. Use your staycation to get back into hobbies or interests that you don’t always have time for. Try a new craft, paint, write in a journal, knit, or bake. Stop trying to be perfect and pay attention to the process.
Not feeling creative? A mindfulness coloring book or guided journaling prompts might help. It’s very healing to be able to say what you want without being judged, and it can also be a lot of fun.
Wind Down with Purpose
Slowly and gently end your day. As the sun goes down, turn down the lights and let your home become a more peaceful place. Instead of looking at screens, take a warm bath with Epsom salts, listen to calming music, or read a few pages of a good book.
Keep a gratitude journal and write down three things that made you happy or calm. Drink herbal tea and pay attention to the quiet. A short body scan meditation can help you relax and get ready for a good night’s sleep.
Most importantly, don’t plan or worry about what’s coming next. Let the night hold you and give yourself permission to sleep.
How to Make It a Real Retreat
- Write it down on your calendar. Plan your staycation like you would a real trip, protect it, and stick to it.
- Set limits. Tell others that you are making time for yourself on purpose. If you can, don’t take on any outside commitments.
- Don’t try to do more than one thing at a time. Take your time eating. Don’t take your phone with you when you walk. Sit still and don’t reach for something to “do.”
- Don’t rush; think about it. Take a moment to think about how you feel after your staycation and what small things you might want to keep doing.
Conclusion
You don’t have to run away from your life to find peace; sometimes all you need to do is stop and think about it. A mindful staycation is a great way to relax, think, and remember what matters. It isn’t about doing more, reaching goals, or checking things off a list. It’s about just being—being in your body, in your space, and in your life.
So go ahead. Stop the noise, make some tea, and take a deep breath. The world can wait, but your peace of mind can’t.
The vacation where you never leave home might be the most relaxing one you’ve ever had.
