How to Plan a Staycation at Home During COVID-19
This is at Yours Truly Hotel during my momcation staycation.
Hi Curl Friends. Raise your hand if you can use a vacation right now. Well, its mid-November and if you’re reading this clap your hands because you are alive! A few weeks ago I left my family for a momcation at Yours Truly Hotel in Washington, DC. I didn’t realize how much I needed those two days away from my family, work, and life responsibilities that are now intense since we are all at home 24 hours. I was even more surprised to see how many women and mothers expressed an overwhelming need to escape their families and have their own momcation. Now COVID rates are increasing across the US with many cities issuing Phase 1 restrictions and perhaps issuing another full stay-at-home order in the next few weeks. I think we can all agree COVID sucks!! I know we miss our pre-COVID lives of leaving the house for work, luncheons, brunches, world travel, and getting away from our families and kids when needed. Well, while we are unable to travel and resume our old normal, we can absolutely create vacation vibes in our homes. If you’re struggling to find self-care time or even need a getaway, here are my ideas for creating the perfect staycation at home.
Use Your Paid Time Off (PTO)
Did you know that Americans left 768 million days of PTO UN-used in 2018, according to research released by the US Travel Association. That’s 55 percent of Americans who did not use all of their PTO. Don’t be that person! Use your PTO; its yours, you’ve earned it. Work will be there tomorrow, your sanity wont. I know many companies are allowing employees flexibility to manage home/personal life, virtual learning and work, so the need to take official PTO may not be needed, but I’ve noticed that even though I have flexibility I still have to check emails and be responsive. So I’ve been taking my PTO and turning on my Out of Office message. This makes a huge difference in my mood and breaking up long weeks in the house. So USE YOUR PTO!!
No Cooking or Cleaning Allowed!
Listen, cooking and cleaning has been a daily STRUGGLE!! I know many of us have never cooked or cleaned this much in our entire lives! I actually laughed at myself the other because I thought “man women in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, really used to cook, clean and deal with children all day, everyday.” LOL! Listen when you’re on vacation you don’t cook or clean. So take a few days off of cooking and cleaning and see how you feel.
Take Advantage of Kids Bedtime
If you have small children, or really children at all, getting away in your own home may be impossible. If this is the case for you, take advantage of bed time. Once your kids go down, put on your house robe, run a bath, order yourself takeout, go to sleep, read your bible, or just enjoy pure quietness. I know how hard it is to focus on yourself once your kids go to bed because I used to clean, fold clothes, wash dishes, and prepare for the next day when my kids went to sleep. Try to use this time as YOUR time even if its just one day per week.
Take a Nice Romantic Bath
I must confess that I never ever take a bath, like ever. I actually want to incorporate baths into my routine because of people like Candice O. Beauty who literally makes her bath time an entire vibe (check out her blog Bathtime Essentials). If you need an escape and relaxation head to your bathtub. You can light candles, read a book, create a playlist, steam, and eat and drink. I know I am going to try taking a bath one time per month.
Plan New Activities from Home
On a vacation we try new activities, why should we stop just because we’re stuck in the house? I recently been addicted to watching hand and line classes on YouTube and have even started learning routines (don’t judge me). Its been a fun release for me and I really enjoy dancing. You can take salsa lessons or twerk classes too! There’s also mixology, painting, yoga, and anything else you’re looking to try. So don’t be afraid to try something new while in your home. I know I’ll be ready for summer 2021.
Stay in Bed All Day
This is probably the hardest thing to do in quarantine and social distancing. Some days you just have to do nothing. Don’t be afraid or judge yourself if you need to spend an entire day in bed binge watching your favorite shows and sleeping. Life will be there when you’re ready to pick up and go again.
Set Up an Outdoor Space
If you can’t leave your house, create a getaway space at home. In July I purchased the cutest small bistro table for my backyard. I don’t have much of a backyard space, but my table is perfect for morning readings and my personal happy hours. I love sitting outside and getting fresh air pretending I’m eating breakfast in a Parisian bakery. Here’s a link to the bistro table I purchased on Amazon: link to Shauniece’s bistro table.