Ladies and gentlemen, you are talking to the queen of staycations; I never go anywhere and I never do anything interesting (except writing this blog, of course). Before you start pitying me though, I’ll let you in on a little secret: staycations save you time, money and aggravation and if done correctly can actually end up being incredibly healing.

So what is a staycation anyway? When I talk about taking one, I’m referring to any stretch of time during which you are free from any work-related responsibilities. This is not your average afternoon off, and it’s definitely not working from home. Instead, your staycation is your chance to restore and recharge in whatever way that means to you. It might be an opportunity to catch-up on household chores, personal projects, and tying up other loose ends. Or, it might involve ditching all obligations and doing whatever the $%?! you want.

Whatever your staycation style, I’ve brainstormed some options to help start things off right:

• clean/organize a neglected drawer, closet or room in your home
• organize family photos and/or home movies (here’s some tips for digital photos)
• go for a long walk/hike/bike ride/rollerblade (and leave your cell phone at home!)
• explore an unfamiliar part of your city, town or neighborhood
• catch up on your sleep (it’s actually really important)
• cook or bake your favorite dish, or a recipe you’ve been meaning to try
• catch up on your reading (here are some simple ways how)
• paint, doodle, draw or color
• practice meditation, yoga or just deep breathing
• call up an old friend you haven’t seen in a while (Facebook doesn’t count)
• garden or clean your yard (one of my many hobbies)
• make your own rock garden or terrarium
• camp out in your own yard
• practice yoga or pilates
• spend an afternoon browsing your local library or bookstore (take a buddy!)
• try a new hobby on for size
• volunteer
• make something for your home, or for a friend who deserves something special
• send a friend or relative some actual snail mail
• attend a free show or event in your area
• practice self-care: get a massage, manicure, pedicure or facial
• research your family tree
• decorate your reading nook/sanctuary/man cave
• actually play with your pets (or children)
• rediscover childhood activities like skipping, sidewalk chalk, or Frisbee
• have a bubble bath
• coordinate a new exercise routine
• teach yourself the latest dance craze, or come up with a routine with some friends
• practice the art of doing nothing.

Happy staycation!

I want to hear all about your staycation rituals. Share them below or email them to me at keepingbusyb@gmail.com. For more ways to kill time, check out my suggestions for when you’re stuck inside here and here.