6 Effective Ways To Enjoy Your Family Staycation
The schedule of daily life can be overwhelming. Not only does it increase stress levels, but it can become a tedious and repetitive routine. Statistics reveal that about one-third of the global population experience stress, anxiety, or anger. If this feels familiar, it may be time to take a family staycation to relieve yourself of the usual stressors. Staycations are great simply because you can receive much-needed relaxation at a fraction of the cost of international vacations. They are also far much easier to organize. If this is something that you’re considering, here are some practical strategies to make it more enjoyable.
Focus on spending time outdoors
Having an outdoor adventure is a great staycation idea worth considering. It helps boost your mood while reducing anxiety and stress levels. It's also a fun way to give your body a good workout, keeping you in top shape. Moreover, the vitamin D you'd get from the sun will boost your immune system and reduce your risks of developing chronic physical and mental illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and depression. You can also bond with family and friends when doing an activity you all love. It's no wonder that 3 out of 5 Americans switched from indoor to outdoor people, according to a 2021 Verv app survey. Therefore, you want to include it in your staycation itinerary if you haven't already.
Fortunately, you can make your outdoor time memorable with various activities. You can take fitness classes in the park or beach (if applicable) to soak in the fresh air as you work out. Likewise, a relaxing picnic with your loved ones is also another activity to consider. If you enjoy a scavenger hunt, you'll find geocaching exciting. Other activities include walking, running, gardening, camping, etc.
Read a book
Do you have a book that you love but haven't had time to read? If yes, your staycation is the best way to complete your favorite books without interference. Reading offers many benefits, making it a popular pastime among Americans. Moreover, it improves cognitive function and sharpens your mind while increasing your knowledge on vast topics. Likewise, reading is a great stress and tension reliever, so keep this in mind. It also allows you to visit various places and explore different worlds without being there physically.
It's necessary to pick books that you enjoy to get the most out of your reading time. As a tip, select your favorite genres to determine the best books to read. You can also read books on personal development, business, finance, etc. You also want to put your phone in silence or keep it in a separate room to prevent distractions.
Explore your city
While you may know certain areas of your city, you may be unfamiliar with other areas. Why don't you explore your city during your staycation? You'd be surprised to discover interesting places you never knew existed, and your wonder for your city will grow. Moreover, you can visit historical sites, interesting buildings, or sculptures to understand your city's history. It's also a good way to meet new people and build meaningful relationships while eliminating boredom.
Fortunately, you can explore your city in different ways. For instance, you can go on a food adventure by trying meals from different restaurants and taking pictures of your city's top attractions. Switch things up by changing your transportation mode. If you're used to driving, you'll find it interesting to walk, ride a bike or take public transportation. Heighten the experience by booking a hotel or Airbnb. As a tip, make a bucket list of things you wish to do in your city for a more organized and stress-free experience.
Take a day trip
You don't have to limit your staycation to your city alone! If you seek a change of scene, you'll find it helpful to take a day trip. Moreover, it prevents you from getting bored on your staycation while opening you to new and memorable experiences. You also don't have to think about booking flights, accommodation, etc. It is also affordable, so you can rest easy knowing that you wouldn't experience a financial strain. You can include it in your staycation itinerary if you haven't already.
Since you'd be out for a day, it's essential to carefully map out the venues you wish to visit to make the most of your time. You can also bring your loved ones along to make the experience more memorable. As a tip, plan your route and get up early to avoid traffic and other time-wasting situations. You also want to ensure that your car is in top-notch condition for the trip to prevent breakdowns along the way. You can even use the opportunity to buy the car you've always dreamed of. If you want a used car, you can learn more about the factors to consider before purchasing.
Take a virtual tour
Thanks to technology, you can have a feel of beautiful locations without being physically present. Many tourist attractions offer virtual tours, so feel free to leverage them. For instance, you can visit the Macchu Picchu to learn about the Incan civilization. Also, the Louvre Museum gives you access to Egyptian antiquities and the Galerie d'Apollon.
Tackle a DIY project
Do you have something you wish to fix or build? If yes, then you can leverage your staycation for this purpose. DIY is more than building or fixing things. It is a smart way to learn a new skill while spending quality time with your family. Likewise, it helps you save more when solving problems you would have otherwise outsourced. Moreover, Neuroscientist Kelly Lambert states that working with your hands can prevent depression and other emotional issues while improving your mood. Therefore, engage your family in a DIY spree for the best results.
Fortunately, many family-friendly DIY options are available, so you aren't spoiled for options. For instance, you can include your kids when painting a room or gardening projects. You can also undertake individual projects like giving your old furniture a makeover, installing a shelf, building garden signposts, fixing your wall panels, etc.
