Working for weeks on end quickly starts to feel like an exhausting cycle. It’s easy to overexert yourself and then find your resolve grinding to a halt. If you haven’t been able to get a break from your daily routine, give yourself a moment to relax. Here are six different ways to create an instant vacation after clocking out for the evening.
1. Spend an Evening on the Water
No matter where in the world you reside, there is almost certainly a body of water nearby. Beaches, lakes, rivers, even local ponds provide a place to unwind and clear your head. You can bring a book, kick your feet up, and enjoy the scenery and sound of the water. Or if you prefer, take a dip (provided there is a lifeguard on duty).
Believe it or not, you can ramp up the relaxation factor by heading further into the water! Certain sports equipment items, such as inflatable paddle boards, are designed for low-impact nautical activity. You can take one out and do the very same thing you would on the beach, but with more solitude. Check out the shoreline, admire the scenery, or even just sit with yourself and be content in the moment.
2. Silence Work Communications
Something as simple as muting your work notifications at the day’s end can feel like a small vacation in itself. Responsibilities are important, but your paid hours are likely limited, so there is no need to work overtime without income. To prioritize your mental health, take a work communications break during the day, even if it’s just during your lunch hour. Checking email after hours is related to elevated stress, so take care of yourself and disconnect in the evenings, too.
For those who use company-allocated devices, consider keeping separate devices for work and personal use if you can afford it. At the end of the day, store your work phone or computer out of sight. Take the rest of the day for your family, friends, or yourself. Developing healthy work-life boundaries will also make you more productive during your work hours.
3. Treat Yourself to a Mini Spa Day
It’s not always easy to take off a full day from work to hit the spa. Instead, you can have a mini spa day at home after work. This also helps you transition from work mode to relaxation mode, shifting to a new mindset after the workday ends.
You can focus on pure relaxation by stepping away from your screen to take a nice long shower or relaxing bath. Follow it up with a home facial or trying on a new after-bath lotion. If you’d prefer a more lasting at-home spa treatment, you can give yourself a manicure or pedicure. Try some simple meditation or yoga to help yourself power down with a spa-like vibe. Your spa day doesn’t have to cost much and can transport your mind away from a stressful day.
4. Let Someone Else Do the Cooking
Restaurant food is meant to take the work away from meal prep so you can enjoy yourself. To easily make a normal night feel like you’re on vacation, order out for delivery and take the night off. Having dinner made for you can reduce stress, and it provides an opportunity to experience diverse cuisines from your table. You’ll also be able to make the ambience relaxing by choosing great music and lowering the lights.
Of course, eating in might not be your preferred form of relaxation. In this case, you can go out instead — and curate the night your way. You can go to a diner for a satisfying breakfast-for-dinner experience or dress up for a night on the town. Whatever you decide, the experience will be worth it and be almost as exciting as a traveling vacation. It’s all about your mindset.
5. Immerse Yourself in Your Favorite Media
The way you’re feeling at any particular time is the product of immersion — immersion in emotions, work, etc. Entertainment media of all kinds are designed to provide a calculated form of immersion. Because of this, they’re a great way to transport yourself into another headspace for a bit. If you like video games, for example, then play for a few hours and get lost in the open world!
Dedicate the night to your chosen medium: have a movie night complete with your favorite film, snacks, and drinks. You can do the same as you binge a television show or play video games instead. For a quieter moment, you can settle down in your reading chair and pick up a book or make art. This is your opportunity to get lost in what you love and take the instant vacation you desire.
6. Break Out the Tabletop Games
Escape doesn’t always come easy when you have family responsibilities, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Whether you include children, a partner, or just yourself, you can play a tabletop game to create a novel, fun experience. This includes any activity that is played on a flat surface: card and board games or role-playing and strategy games. A quick roll of the dice will whisk you into the game in no time.
The best part of this option is that there are several such activities that don’t require multiple players. Puzzles and solitaire require only one player and immerse you for the duration of the game (or puzzling session). Single-player board games are often even more involved and can usually be played repeatedly. These kinds of games are always an opportunity to envelop yourself in another world for a bit.
A vacation does not have to involve extensive, pre-planned travel — you can define it on your own terms. Consider what brings you comfort, peace, and joy in your moments of rest. These feelings don’t require flights and hotel reservations. Whenever you take time for yourself, they’re worth exploring. So sit back and get yourself into a vacation vibe, then stand up and take it — even if it’s in the same room.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.