As the second round of pandemic fatigue settles in with no actual end in sight, you may be starting to feel a bit stir-crazy. And you know what? It's about time you treat yourself, sis. You've been working hard. Staying safe. Protecting your energy. Taking care of your loved ones. I bet you can use a little staycation to love on yourself for a day or two. Whew, chile, same. You may not be able to book a full getaway or feel comfortable traveling just yet, but there are ways to grab some much-needed R&R without venturing outside of your city. So pack your "spennanight" bag and try out these staycation ideas. You deserve it!
Book a Day in Your Favorite Hotel's Spa
If the idea of sleeping in a strange bed during a global pandemic freaks you out, opt for a day spent in your favorite hotel's spa instead. Most spas have reopened with increased safety measures, and you can use the time to truly relax. Book a massage, a mani/pedi, or even a facial. Self-care is all the rage right now, but sometimes, having someone else take over while we sit back and enjoy is the remedy.
Rent a Cabin Outside of the City
Nothing can reenergize you quite like being surrounded by nature. This is something you can do with a few friends, a lover, or completely solo. You'll likely be able to soak in some silence and truly rest your mind. Bonus points if you can take some time to completely disconnect and trade-in screens for books, journals, or good old-fashioned real-life communication.
Stay in a Hotel
If you are comfortable sleeping at a hotel, now is an excellent time to book a room. Lay in bed, catch up on shows, sleep in, and order room service. Most amenities may require reservations, but a dip in a pool, a moment in a steam room, or a long bath in a jacuzzi-style tub never hurt anyone. Bask in luxury, and when you're done, you don't even have to clean up.
Make a Reservation for One. But Order Enough for Two
Home-cooked meals are cute, but the work it takes to prep, cook, and then clean can add to our ever-growing list of things to do around the house. Pass the reins to someone else for a night. Call up your favorite restaurant and pre-order a bottle of wine or your preferred cocktail. Show up dressed to kill and eat like a Queen.
Be a Tourist
It's easy to get into a routine of seeing the same things and visiting the same places in the cities we live in. A great way to feel like you've left town is to be a tourist in your own city. Try out new restaurants, coffee shops, bookstores, and bars. Research parks, museums, and art galleries for a little culture. A day spent doing things that deviate from your usual pattern will give you that same jolt of energy that exploring while on vacation does.
As daylight savings creeps upon us, extending our sunshine and making the days seem longer—there's no better time to give yourself some extra TLC without breaking the bank or risking your health. Live a little, girlfriend!