2021 was a funny old year. Certain aspects of normality returned but it wasn’t really the same as pre-Covid times. Travel was hit and miss. Regular checks of where you could and couldn’t go and what tests needed to be taken and when was quite stressful and potentially costly. Many people chose not to travel. Therefore, making it the year of the Staycation and domestic holiday. We are eager to jump on a plane and see far off lands but for many, international travel is still not on the cards. For some, it may take a long time especially with emerging new variants and general Covid fear and fatigue. Just because you cannot/do not want to travel doesn’t mean you can’t get away from it all. Here are some of the ways we ensure we are still reaping some of the rewards travel gives us albeit closer to home.
Make the most of your free time
How easy is it just to veg out in front of the TV at the end of the day or at the weekend? Well, those Netflix films and series aren’t going to binge themselves, are they? However, by doing this are you really making the most of your free time? Of course, chilling out is part of getting away from it all. It allows you to let the stresses of the real world drift away as you submerge yourself in a fantasy one. But why not add a few other things into the mix? Afterwork drinks with colleagues, a meal with friends etc. Anything that’s a break from the norm. After all, time is precious, spend it wisely.
Do Something For You
We appreciate this can be tricky, especially if you are a parent/carer, work long hours etc. Other people’s needs often eclipse our own, meaning ours are pushed to the bottom of the list. Sometimes it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Therefore, you may not be able to take up a time-consuming new hobby but there are things you can do that don’t take you away from other duties for too long. You could allocate time to read a book or schedule a long soak in the bath. Basically, anything you enjoy which is just for you that allows you to recentre and makes you feel good.
Be Present
Not being present is something we have been guilty of to one degree or another. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in worrying about other people having a good time, taking photographs or thinking about other things, that we do not fully submerge ourselves in what we are doing at the time. We live in a world that moves at a fast pace. This means we sometimes don’t have time to stand still and take in our surroundings and appreciate them. However, being present can help us appreciate what we have got, improve concentration, allow us to focus more and help anxiety levels.
Recreate Travel Memories
One of our favourite things to do when we cannot get away from it all by taking a trip is recreating our travel memories. You could do this by looking at the photographs you took while you were on holiday, talking about your travels and the great times you had or by cooking a local dish that you ate at the destination. Often we will incorporate all aspects and spend evenings reminiscing, laughing and feeling grateful. This really helps us focus on why we love travelling and also get us excited for future adventures knowing that we will look fondly back on them in the future too.
Take A Mini Adventure
If money or time is stopping you from taking that dream trip, why not take a mini-adventure closer to home? Even a daycation (day trip) can help you get away from it all, relax and have fun. Depending on your interests this could be anything from a trip to the coast for fish and chips to a visit to a local historic site or even a shopping expedition in a neighbouring town. If you have longer to play with and a little cash to splash a night away is ideal. It gives you something to look forward to and keeps you focused on a goal. As the saying goes – a change is as good as a rest!
Have A Night Out
Something as simple as getting dressed up and having a night out can really help you get away from it all. Especially if you don’t do it that often. Depending on your interests, this could be anything from a meal out with your partner, friends or family, a night at the theatre, a gig at your local pub or clubbing until dawn. Spending time, kicking back and having fun with our nearest and dearest, even just for a night can allow us to forget the stresses and strains of daily life. It can also help stave off feelings of loneliness or isolation particularly after a period of lockdowns and Covid restrictions.
Relax
One of the main reasons people take a holiday is to relax and come back recharged. Therefore one of the major ways to get away from it all without actually getting away at all is to factor relaxing things into your life. As mentioned before do things for yourself which you enjoy such as reading or having a long bath. Other things include treating yourself, when possible to a long leisurely breakfast in bed, You could also practise yoga, mindfulness or meditation, things that allow you to concentrate on yourself and your breathing both of which can be very relaxing and allow you to unwind.
So even if you cannot get away from it all at the moment or simply do not want to, there are things and ways to help you feel like you have had a break from the norm.
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