Ideas for a Winter Staycation

If you’ve spent all of your winter budget on presents for loved ones but are craving a getaway after days of non-stop family time, the cheapest way to recuperate is to host your own staycation at home. Winter may seem like a boring time to have a staycation as there aren’t as many outdoor activities, but here are a few ways to create a winter staycation that will leave you just as rejuvenated as a real vacation.

Invest in a light therapy lamp. If you live in a particularly dark latitude, buy a light therapy lamp that emits the same type of light as the sun, except without the harmful UV rays. Use the lamp only when you’re awake to make it easier to adjust to the shorter, darker days.

Set up a spa. If you’re lucky enough to have a bathtub, run warm water, drop in some hydrating salts, light some candles and nestle in for a soothing soak. Afterward, paint your skin with a mud mask to rehydrate dry winter skin.

Turn off WiFi. To completely disconnect, turn off your internet connection and make a visit to your bookshelf to start that book you’ve been wanting to read or indulge in a puzzle (jigsaw or crossword) to give your mind a quick workout.

Go for a winter stroll. Bundle up in layers if you live in a cold climate and take yourself out for a leisurely stroll, pending decent weather conditions, of course. If you’re within walking distance of a café, grab a coffee and people-watch, or simply sip and enjoy a few moments of quiet and solitude.