Staying at home for the holidays is becoming more and more popular as people ditch the getaway in favour of a “staycation” at home. Why can’t your home be your holiday retreat? Your home should be your sanctuary; a place to unwind and relax in over the weekend as well as during this festive break. Combining relaxation with the comforts of home has made the staycation a very attractive option – hassle-free, affordable and no jet lag or traffic! Here are a few ideas to help you avoid stress and recharge this festive season.
Get organised: If you’re going to the supermarket around Christmas and New Year, one thing you can guarantee is it’ll be busy! So get it all done in one hit. Write a list, check it twice, that way when you get home you can just relax and don’t have to stress about forgetting the sponges for your trifle. Stock up on those bits and pieces you’d normally have on holidays so you can still enjoy those holiday treats.
Keep it simple: Don’t go too far out of your comfort zone. When it comes to cooking and decorating stick with recipes and ideas that are tried and tested, and add anything you need to get to your shopping list above to avoid additional chaos!
Get Outdoors: You don’t stay in the hotel room when you go on holidays, so don’t stay inside at home! Pools, spas, slip and slides, outdoor lounge areas, sprinklers, decks, alfresco kitchens or any patch of grass. Get moving and go for a walk, take your dog to the park, play with your kids in the playground. We spend so long at our desks, inside or in the car it’s nice to be able to roam free outside and enjoy the fresh air and the chance to unwind in the sunshine.
Stay offline: With phones being as ‘smart’ as they are, it’s super tempting to quickly jump online and check those emails and Facebook. Before you know it you’ve replied to work emails and are back and forth with colleagues and clients or you’ve filled up your break travelling around town to catch up with people rather than relaxing. If you want to catch up with a few people, organise a BBQ or a picnic in the park and just invite everyone!
Relax: Remember the whole point of a break is to be with family and friends and to unwind from a long year and recharge the batteries. Take the chance to relax and enjoy those things you don’t manage to find time for normally.
Source: Dale Alcock Homes website (Dale’s Blog)