I’m a huge advocate for travel as a means to improve mental health and wellness since recently experiencing the benefits myself — but I also know that not everyone has the ability to take a week off of work and hop on a plane. Have no fear, because you can still reap the benefits of a vacation without getting on a plane, traveling outside of your state, or breaking the bank. Here are seven ways to take a local mental health vacation!
Unplug your devices
Instead of staring at your screen and waiting for the next message to come in, take in your surroundings, no matter where you are. As for emails, you can set an out of office email letting people know you will get back to them on your return date. That spreadsheet your co-worker wants from you can wait. On that note…
Lighten your workload beforehand
Try to get as much done as possible before you head out on “vacation,” so you won’t have to spend your free time dreading playing catch-up when you return to work. Stay organized and motivated with a to-do list, outlining your tasks a week before you leave so you have plenty of time to complete them. Procrastinating never helped anybody!
Explore somewhere new
You don’t have to go far to see someplace new. If you’re anything like me, there are loads of places you’ve never explored right in your hometown — or the next town over. Ask friends, family, and coworkers for recommendations. Chances are, they’ve been to at least a few spots that you haven’t even heard of! Just because a new spot isn’t in a faraway land doesn’thaveto make it less exciting.
Treat Yourself
When you’re on vacation, you’re more likely to spoil yourself. It could be something as simple as sleeping in an extra hour or making reservations at a nice restaurant. Order a nice dessert, because on vacation (or staycation) your diet doesn’t have to control you. You can also indulge in a massage or facial.
Even in your own home you cantake a bath with extra bubbles or a bath bomb. Take time to really notice the sensations that you’re feeling. Appreciate the warmth and the relaxation! If you’re feeling extra fancy, take a glass of wine into the bath with you and throw some rose petals in there. Self-care, am I right?
Get out of your comfort zone
You can also go to a restaurant that has a type of food you’ve never tried. Order something on the menu that’s completely out of the ordinary and new to you. If you’re usually a shy introvert, strike up a conversation with a stranger at the coffee shop. You may surprise yourself and make a new friend.
Indulge in your hobbies
Take this time to do some of your favorite things, or to try out new hobbies that you’ve always wanted to try.Grouponis a great resource to find some fun things to do on a budget. Always wanted to try skydiving? Find an indoor skydiving stimulator. Are you a fan of yoga? Why not try aerial yoga for a different experience?
Take a deep dive into culture
A big part of travel is diving into a different culture, right? Take the opportunity to explore the culture that’s all around you, no matter where you are. Check out museums in your area, go see a musical at a community theatre, or listen to live music at a bar. Even though you’re not in a foreign land, look around and you may be surprised at the rich local culture you can find..
Reset your mind with a mental health vacation
While society can make you feel like taking time off of work makes you a slacker, there’s way moreevidencethat “vacation” and time off is good for you. So whether you’re hitting Bora Bora or your bedroom, a break will be good for you. You deserve it, I promise. And after that mental health vacation, you’ll be performing better than ever when you’re back at work!
Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.
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