10 Easy Ways to Rest When You Can’t Take a Holiday

While it’s lovely to have a holiday to plan and look forward to, there are times when a couple of weeks away isn’t convenient, or this year even possible!  But that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some of those restful and relaxing moments – and all without packing a suitcase.

Here are a few simple ideas to inspire you to rest even if you’re not travelling this year.

CHANGE YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Holidays give us a break from our usual routine and you know what they say... ‘a change is as good as a rest’.  So, make a few changes to your daily routine, eat something different for breakfast, leave a few minutes earlier and enjoy quieter traffic, take lunch outdoors, read something new outside of your usual favourite authors, try some new recipes for dinner…you get the idea.

CREATE AN AT-HOME RETREAT
This takes a little planning, but whether you have a weekend to yourself or a quiet afternoon it’s worth it. Here’s a full guide to help you create your own at home retreat together with a printable book to help you prepare and enjoy your day.

ENJOY A PICNIC
Spending time outside in nature is one of the best ways to help you feel calm and more relaxed. This can be enjoyed while staying socially distant from others or you can pack up a picnic for two and enjoy it in your own garden...whatever feels best for you. Don’t forget to include your favourite foods, a chilled bottle of bubbles, a great playlist or even your favourite book. 

VISIT SOMEWHERE LOCAL THAT YOU’VE NEVER BEEN TO BEFORE
This may not be possible this year, but if you have somewhere close by like a beautiful park that you haven’t visited for a while - and can do so while staying safe - then plan a visit  because a change of scenery can work wonders.
 

PUT TOGETHER A PLAYLIST
Who doesn’t love a great playlist? Spend an hour putting together some of your favourite summer music, the songs that make you feel good or evoke holiday memories.  As well as the feel good music, try creating a list for some deeply relaxing tracks too – music used for meditation and yoga is wonderful to listen to in the evenings or when you’re enjoying something creative.

CREATE A MEAL PLAN BASED ON A DIFFERENT CUISINE
This is a great way to feel like you’re away without getting on a flight. Create a themed evening with authentic dishes and music - throw yourself into it by eating outdoors, wearing your favourite clothes and chatting long into the evening.

TREAT YOURSELF
We all do this on holiday. So, if you can’t get away, why not treat yourself at home instead? Fill your home with flowers, update your lounge wear, pick up your favourite holiday reads or buy that something special that you’ve been longing for.   

LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Start a new creative hobby, take a few yoga classes or even brush up on your language skills ahead of your next holiday. Learning new things not only gives us a break from daily routine but it nourishes our minds and has many long term benefits too.     

PLAN AN EVENING TO YOURSELF
You know some of those things that you save for best like gorgeous facemasks and natural candles, well it’s time to get them out of the cupboard and enjoy them!  Plan an evening - or a couple of hours – to yourself.  Surround yourself with relaxing aromatherapy scents while you enjoy a long soak or warm shower and then slather on that mask while reading your favourite magazine or book – sound good

UNPLUG FOR A WHILE
Even if you use your phone on holiday, chances are that you use it less than you would at home. So, try using it a little less often. Putting it out of sight always helps or you’ll be tempted to check it every time you see it! Read more about the benefits of unplugging and how to get started.

With a little planning and creativity you can evoke those holiday feelings at home...yes it will be different but it can still feel restful and after a year of change we all deserve that, don’t you think. 

AUTHOR: LEANNA DOOLIN

Co – Founder of holistic skincare brand, Pure Thoughts and advocate for women finding pause in their day to breathe deeply, give thanks and reconnect to what matters. Loves early mornings, dogs and books that you can’t put down.