5 Easy Ways To Rest and Relax Without Taking A Vacation

Planning a vacation is incredibly exciting! Choosing a flight, hotel and or all-inclusive vacation package is a major deal, and you want to make sure you're getting a good deal at a fair price. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to afford a pricey vacation, or getting the time off from work is not possible.  In some cases, it's both.  But not to worry:  There are still plenty of ways for you to get some rest without going away or taking an actual vacation.  

5 Easy Ways To Rest and Relax Without Taking A Vacation

1.  Get A Massage
The spa is one of those places most folks consider a luxury.  And the fact is, it is!  But the treatments and such that spas offer are also part of self care, and we all know how important self care is.  Plan a visit to a local spa and indulge.  Don't know where to go?  Ask friends and fam for recommendations, you'll be surprised to find just how many people you know actually use spa services!
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2.  Get Comfortable
​Just because you're not getting away, doesn't mean you can't get comfortable. Create a space in your home outfitted with overstuffed bean bags, blankets, pillows and several good reads.  Pour a cup of your favorite tea and hunker down for a couple of hours of complete coziness.  Maybe you can give yourself a facial and / or a hair treatment for that in-home spa experience, too!
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Large Velvet Plush Throw Blanket, amazon.com (click to shop)

Shiatsu Back Massager with Heat, amazon.com (click to shop)

3.  Get Moving
Ok, so maybe exercise doesn't exactly come to mind when you're thinking about rest and relaxation, but we have two words for you:  Yoga and tai chi.  And you don't even have to leave the house!

If you don't have a yoga mat, you can pick up an entire yoga kit for about $40.  Whether you're a novice or an expert, YouTube has some great yoga videos you can follow. 
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If you've never tried tai chi, now's your chance.  Tai chi (short for T'ai chi ch'üan or Tàijí quán) is a non-competitive martial art known for its self-defense techniques and health benefits. As a form of exercise, it combines gentle physical exercise and stretching with mindfulness.  It's health benefits extend to helping with joint pain and even depression.  Much like yoga, you can do it in the in privacy of your own home, or you can look online for tai chi groups in your area.
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4.  Do A Clutter Clean Out
Spending time at home with no disruptions is the perfect opportunity to do a clutter cleanout.  Cleaning out clutter and organizing your home will help to reduce stress while making you feel super productive.  You can do it without feeling overwhelmed, too.  Start with ONE spot in your home, like a linen closet or the pantry.  If even that's too daunting, then try under the sink spots in the kitchen and bathroom.  Throw away everything that's expired and outdated, and use the 1 year rule:  if you haven't used it for a year, you aren't going to use it at all.  Toss it.  If you decide to go for the gusto and clean out closets and wardrobes, use the keep-toss-donate method.

Once you've had the chance to de-clutter your home, you're entire mood will change.  You'll feel energized, confident and organized!

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You May Also Like:

• How To Enjoy A Staycation At Home
• 6 Things You Can Do On Your Staycation

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5.  Eat Delicious Food
When we travel, we generally like to take in the food of the locals.  Or, we look forward to trying more exotic or unusual foods.  We also use travel as an excuse for indulging in fine dining.  Whatever the case may be for you, just because you aren't on an exotic vacation doesn't mean you can't eat like you are.  Think about where you'd most like to go, then find recipes related to that locale.  For example, if you've always wanted to travel to Jamaica, why not make Jerk Chicken with rice and peas?  If Europe is more your thing, put together a full English breakfast and pour some Earl Grey tea.

Whether you're on vacation or not, it's always fun to try your hand at new recipes and new food.  Why not?

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​The point of taking a vacation, whether you stay at home or travel, is to carve out some time to relax and unwind.  And you certainly don't need a sandy beach or snowy slopes to grab that R & R feeling that you crave.​  In fact, check out this infographic from brandongaille.com for 50 ways(!) to relax without spending any money:
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What do you like to do to relax?  Let us know in the comments below.
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