Planning a Staycation to Recharge

A mentally and psychologically relaxing vacation doesn't have to involve planes, trains, or even automobiles. In fact, for many people, a staycation is even more appealing than an exotic trip to the other side of the world.

With no hotels to book, rental cars to drive, or currency to exchange, a staycation provides all the benefits of a vacation without the stress. Maybe you'd like to stay home and watch movies and catch up on your reading list. Or perhaps you'd have more fun viewing your city through the eyes of a tourist, taking part in attractions and events that might otherwise just be part of the background noise of daily living.

Unplug'"Literally

The main problem with staycations is that they leave you close to the very things from which you want to take a break. You know you're on vacation, but you'll be tempted to check e-mail, return voicemails, or work on projects. Resist those urges by removing temptation.

If you really want to recharge on your staycation, close up the laptop, turn off the phone, and stay away from as much technology as possible. Unless you completely withdraw from your professional life, the break won't do you any good.

Document the Event

Some people are averse to a staycation because it doesn't feel like a vacation. But you can change that by documenting the event with photos, videos, and other mementos, suggests ABC News. If you visit your local museum, pick up something in the gift shop. You might even keep a "staycation journal" just like a travel journal.

Change the Landscape

Driving thirty miles outside of town is often sufficient to give your staycation the illusion of travel. If you live in the city, drive out into the country and visit a few farmer's markets. If you live in a rural area, head to the nearest city and enjoy the nightlife for an evening. You might be surprised to discover the gems that lie in your own backyard.

Go Visiting

We often neglect to see friends and family members who live nearby because our lives are so busy and chaotic. Use your staycation as an excuse to catch up with loved ones. You'll recharge your batteries and reconnect with people who inspire and ground you.

Stay Within Budget

You can rack up big bills on a staycation just as easily as when you're traveling, so set your budget in advance. Set a daily spending limit, for example, to keep yourself in check, and try to underspend where possible. If you return from your break to find you can't pay your bills, you'll be re-introducing all the stress you worked so hard to eliminate on vacation.

Engage in Healthy Activities

Go for a bike ride in the park, take a hike in the woods, or go swimming in the lake. Do something that will get your heart rate up and give you a chance to work off some energy. You'll feel better after physical activity and you'll be more energized to enjoy your staycation.

But Don't Deprive Yourself

Make ice cream sundaes one evening to enjoy in front of your favorite movie, or treat yourself to a lunch of pizza and beer. A staycation should be about indulging without overdoing it, so balance the healthy with the not-so-healthy.

Remember the Purpose

A staycation is designed to help you relieve stress and take a mental break from your daily life. This means having fun and creating memories. Devote time to a hobby you don't have time for anymore, or see something you've always wanted to see. Just make sure you're enjoying yourself 100 percent of the time.