The Mental Health Benefits of a Staycation
Open up that Starbucks app and order yourself a PSL, y’all. It’s officially Fall 🍂☕️🧡
And if your social feed looked anything like mine this past summer, you’re ready for all the enviable, exotic international vacay content to taper off.
Sidebar: Can we retire the caption “TAKE ME BACK” indefinitely?? Please and thanks 🙏
Don’t get me wrong - I love seeing my friends and family out there thriving, having amazing adventures, and taking well-deserved time off work. But if you didn’t get a chance to globe-trot the summer away, it also hits that FOMO nerve juuuuuust a *little* too hard.
…but I wanted to share something I recently realized:
RENEWED ENERGY IS NOT CALCULATED BY DISTANCE FROM HOME.
New experiences can be found anywhere - even a couple hours or a couple minutes from your front door. You don’t have to spend a full day on a plane in order to change your view.
And as someone who has traveled quite a bit, I’m a big advocate of exploring foreign lands and learning about different cultures. But sometimes we just lack the time/budget/energy for that to be a realistic option. And that’s when we should not discount the growing trend and healing power of the #STAYCATION.
And while this holds true for anyone in any place, I’m specifically speaking to my fellow SoCal residents. We know one of the biggest perks of living in this state is the ability to drive a few hours and find yourself in a completely different landscape.
Head west and you’re breathing in the salty air of the Pacific with sand between your toes. Head east and you’re either nestled in majestic mountains or enveloped in the energy of mystical deserts.
Millions of people travel from all over the world just to witness what we have right here in our own backyard. And Autumn is the perfect time to capitalize on the fact that the tourists are heading home and we can enjoy our beautiful state with a little less competition.
And since we could all use a little more #selfcare, lets talk about some of the main mental health benefits of a #staycation…
Reduce Distance, Reduce Stress
Planning a traditional vacation often comes with its own set of stressors: booking flights, packing, dealing with airport delays, and adjusting to new time zones. These logistics can add up and make you feel more anxious than relaxed.
On the other hand, a staycation eliminates that travel-related stress. Staycations offers you the benefits of a break without the exhaustion of travel.
Mindfulness and Local Appreciation
We often overlook the beauty and experiences that exist in our day-to-day surroundings. A staycation gives you the opportunity to explore the familiar with a fresh perspective, making you more mindful and appreciative of what’s close to home.
When we slow down and immerse ourselves in local experiences - whether that’s visiting a nearby park, exploring a local gallery, or even dining at a restaurant you've never tried - we enter a state of mindfulness by focusing on the present moment. Mindful living has been shown to significantly reduce stress and boost mental well-being.
Clarity Through Disconnection
One of the benefits of taking time off is the mental clarity that comes from disconnecting from our regular grind. We’re overstimulated, overworked, and just…over it.
And when we plan big exotic vacations, we have a tendency to want to maximize every minute. We want to see everything, plan out every detail, and squeeze the most out of every second.
Staycations are less pressure and invite more flexibility - because if we don’t “see all the sights” this time…eh, we’ll get to it next time 🤷♀️🤷♂️
A staycation provides the space to slow down, reflect, and realign with a healthier mindset. And I swear I get my most creative ideas when I rest and disconnect…
Strengthens Relationships
Quality time with people who “fill your cup” fosters authentic connection with our loved ones and is one of the best ways to recharge.
Staycations often allow more flexibility for family or friends to join - strengthening bonds and creating memorable experiences without the distraction of travel itineraries, foreign languages and competing preferences/priorities.
Whether you're renting a desert oasis or lounging at a beach house, these moments create lasting memories and deepen relationships.
Cost-Efficient Relaxation
Finances are a significant source of stress for many people. Especially in this state.
#AmIRight Californians?!?
So one of the major benefits of a staycation is most certainly COST-EFFECTIVENESS.
You don’t have to worry about spending thousands on flights, hotels, or expensive attractions. This means you can still enjoy a luxurious, restful experience without the guilt or anxiety (or customs declarations) that often accompany vacation spending.
The financial savings can reduce a major mental burden and allow you to actually relax. Use that opportunity to indulge in small luxuries like renting a beautiful local vacation home or treating yourself to a budget-friendly spa day.
Yes, traveling to faraway places offers its own set of thrills. We’re not disputing that.
But the staycation offers an especially unique opportunity for R&R…&R (rest, relaxation…and reflection).
So the next time you’ve got a free weekend or you’re just wanting to switch up where you #workfromhome from, consider booking that #SoCalStaycation with Deja Blue.