3 Reasons Why You Need a Staycation

This week I took a “staycation,” a practice becoming more popular with each passing year. The concept is simple- take time off from your paid career to stay at home and/or fill your time with recreation near to home. For instance, I live in Amish country, so I may take in attractions like The Amish Farm & House or Kitchen Kettle Village. Perhaps our family will journey to Turkey Hill Experience and make our own ice cream. Some staycations, like mine, include a list of home projects to complete. No matter how long the staycation or how it is spent, one thing is certain- we all need one. Here’s why.

Staycations are affordable. Don’t get me wrong, I would love to take a Caribbean cruise or immerse myself in the magic of Disney. Those options simply aren’t in the budget right now. Instead, indulging in the local offerings is both fun and inexpensive. You may even uncover a new favorite restaurant!

Staycations can be productive.  Sometimes working during your staycation will give you greater rest than the beach. Okay, I don’t blame you if you think I’m crazy, but hear me out. This week my wife and I have tackled some major home projects that were sitting in the “one day” category. Completing this work has added value to our home and a sense of a relief to our minds. Not everyone will enjoy projects while off work, so perhaps your productivity includes reading that book you started two years ago but never had time to finish.

Staycations help you refocus.  In an average week, we spend more waking hours at work than at home. Being away from work, but not away from home offers you the time to take inventory of the people and passions that matter most. Time is an invaluable resource.

How to make your staycation a success:

Leave the work at the office. It’s not easy to detach. Technology keeps us connected to work 24/7. Never before has the American society worked as much as we do today. We are practically addicted to our careers. For this reason, the first 48 hours of your staycation will be difficult. The urge to check your email and texts every five minutes will be unmistakable. It was for me. Stay the course, though, it gets easier.

Plan ahead. Don’t waste your time away solely bingeing on streaming TV. While certainly some of your time will be used for brain dumping into television, have a plan for the other hours. This may include traveling a short distance for recreation or repainting a bedroom. My week has consisted of both.

Be okay when it ends. As the final day of your staycation draws near, it may be tempting to add more days. If you have detached from work and accomplished your plan, you will feel comfortable going back to work both refreshed and excited for what lies ahead.

Take time to evaluate where you are today in work and in life. Is it time  for a staycation?

Question: What’s your staycation experience? Do you have any advice for first-time staycationers? Comment below and help others to grow.

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3 Reasons Why You Need a Staycation first appeared on From Where I Sit.