A quick search for self-care staycation ideas will pull up a variety of lists with suggestions like unplug, declutter, create an at-home spa day, eat clean, spend time in nature. While all of these things make for a wonderful and rejuvenating home wellness retreat (and should be a part of our regular routines as well) self-care is about so much more than manicures and smoothies. It’s about setting boundaries, tuning into our own intuition, sparking creativity, reflecting, and yes, getting that much needed R&R that we all need.
Your self-care staycation should be unique to you, cater to your personality, and fill you up in whatever way you need right now. Ready to make your personal DIY retreat a reality? Read on.
Why you need a self-care staycation
Anxiety and depression rates are soaring. We live by the incessant battering of bings, swipes, scrolls, and notifications of our devices. Burnout is par for the course.
The sharp rise in popularity of self-care, mindfulness, minimalism, journaling, mental health awareness, and all things wellbeing in recent years goes to show that we’re seeking solutions to the noise, pressure, societal expectations, comparison traps, and volatile political climate that has us all feeling worn down and not living our best lives.
Naturally, wellness retreats are on the rise too as an antidote to the toll daily stress takes on our mind, body, spirit. Who wouldn’t want to escape everyday pressures to luxuriate in pool-side pampering sessions and eat healthy meals under swaying palms? But what’s one to do if time, money, or the ability to sip green juice on the beach for days on end are in short supply? Give yourself a self-care staycation anytime, anywhere.
How to plan a self-care staycation
There are a few basic elements that go into a well-planned at-home retreat. If you want to go into each step further, check out the free DIY retreat planner below.
1 | Your intention. Think about why you need this staycation and come up with an intention that helps you focus on what you need most. Learn how to set a retreat intention here.
2 | A serene space. Outer order creates inner order. Before your staycation starts, set up a clutter-free space that makes you feel calm, whether it’s your entire house or a small, dedicated area just for you.
3 | Silence. You don’t have to go silent the whole time, however, committing yourself to some silent-time has the potential to be life-changing. This goes for tech silence too—a digital detox is a must.
4 | Feel-good food. If you’re naturally a clean eater, this part will be easy. If fast foods and sugar are more your style, now’s the time to load up on organic produce and healthy fats (looking at you avocado) and feel just how good it is to give your body what it needs.
5 | Rejuvenating movement. Yoga, dancing, and hiking in nature take the top spots for restorative, high-vibe activities, but don’t let that limit you if you’re craving something more intense. Just listen to your body and try to do something different than your normal exercise routine.
6 | Journaling. Want to keep your best-self momentum going after your retreat is over? Make sure you spend some time in self-reflection. Journaling is a great way to unclutter your mind, get unstuck, and come into the present moment.
7 | Nature. Get outside for at least part of your staycation. Nature is healing…and free. Jump on the forest bathing trend, visit a botanical garden, or simply walk to a park.
8 | Personal growth. Always incorporate something new-to-you in your retreat. Try a new class, a new book, or a new creative hobby.
Self-care staycation ideas based on what you need right now
With the basic elements in place, it’s time to personalize your staycation. Think about your intention. Why is it important to take this personal retreat? What do you want to prioritize?
For many of us, relaxing and recharging will be high on the list. If this is the case, I encourage you to go a step deeper and think about why you need to recharge. Do you let people invade your boundaries? Are you drained because you operate by someone else’s definition of success instead of your own? Are you tired and not feeling well because you need to take better care of your body?
Once you know why you really need a refresh, here are some personalized self-care staycation ideas to help you get the most out of your time.
FOR THE CARETAKER
If you’re a parent, teacher, nurse, or someone who generally puts all your effort into taking care of others, this one’s for you. Take this time to get back to the core of who you are and what lights you up. Here are a few ideas for you to include in your home wellness retreat.
- Wake up naturally on your own terms
- Read a book for pure pleasure
- Journal about your favorite memories, pastimes, foods, movies, anything that reminds you of who you are
- If you’re close by, visit one of your favorite childhood spots
- Make a healthy, homemade version of your favorite dish
FOR THE OVERACHIEVER
You’re always on the go, planning, optimizing every aspect of your life. You’re busy climbing corporate ladders, creating empires, and leading others and burnout is always just around the corner. If that sounds like you, try letting your yin/feminine energy take the lead.
- Try a guided meditation which may be easier for your productivity-oriented brain
- Make something with your hands to get out of your own head for a while
- Journal about your ideal life. Are your achievements and goals aligned with what would make you truly happy?
- Do something physical that’s outside of your comfort zone, like a dance class or trapeze lessons.
FOR THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE
Feeling deeply is your forte. You’re empathetic, emotional, and feel overwhelmed easily by the world around you. Taking care of your emotional wellbeing ranks high on your retreat wishlist. Whatever you do, stay away from news and social media.
- Hygge up your space by surrounding yourself with cozy blankets, pillows, candles, and soft socks
- Take a nourishing bath with detoxifying Epsom salts, uplifting essential oils, and real flower petals for a little spark of beauty
- Write a gratitude journal entry or an encouraging letter to your younger self
- Take a hike in the nearest park
FOR THE CREATIVE SOUL
Whether you’re a maker, an artist, a writer, or an entrepreneur, putting your creativity out into the world requires vulnerability, confidence, and a steady slew of new ideas. Use your self-care staycation to give yourself permission to guard your soul for a change and seek inspiration from the world around you.
- Explore local museums or cultural events
- Have a picnic in a park
- Boost your zen with an adult coloring book
- Take yourself on a mindful photography walk and pay attention to the tiny details of your neighborhood
- Make a mind map in your journal to unclutter your mind and make new creative associations
Leave a Reply