I’ll begin with the plain: we’re within the midst of one of many busiest occasions of the 12 months. Other than the vacations, the spring and summer time can imply loads of journey, gatherings, and different social commitments. However who wouldn’t wish to benefit from these lengthy, sun-soaked days? After all, that is on high of an already busy workload as properly. Contemplating all of this, one take a look at my calendar confirmed: I’d carved out little, if any, house for relaxation. So, in an effort to prioritize my peace and put my well-being first, I booked a visit devoted solely to that. Should you’re questioning find out how to make that occur for your self, preserve studying: I’ve loads of staycation ideas in retailer.
I’ll share slightly extra on simply how dangerous my busyness had turn into. It obtained to the purpose the place I needed to block weekend dates on a shared calendar with my boyfriend that stated “DO NOT BOOK KELLY FOR ANYTHING.” Whereas I sometimes prefer to have some R&R deliberate after journey, this subsequent month is so full of work journeys that require plenty of my power. So, I made a decision to get forward of any potential burnout and e book a staycation so I might enter this subsequent part of life with a transparent head and a sense of ease.
Featured picture courtesy of Camp Lucy.
Staycation Suggestions—From Somebody on the Brink of Burnout
The caveat for this staycation was that it needed to be considerably near Austin as I solely actually had a day and a half to dedicate to it. That meant no planes and never a ton of automotive time—I wished to take full benefit of my time away.
Enter Camp Lucy. Located within the Texas Hill Nation, the beautiful resort is simply 45 minutes exterior of Austin in Dripping Springs. The property spreads throughout 289 acres and options among the coolest items of artwork. With the objective of taking advantage of my staycation, I used to be prepped to take full benefit of the resort pool, winery (sure, a winery!), and the attractive restaurant, Tillie’s. It had the whole lot I wanted and was precisely what I used to be in search of: slightly little bit of R&R, actions to maintain my thoughts off work, and a scrumptious meal.
What I Realized From Taking an Intentional Staycation
I aligned this staycation with when our places of work have been closed so I wouldn’t have the distraction (or temptation) to verify on work. As soon as I arrived on the resort, I made a promise to remain fully off my cellphone besides to snap a pic. With these boundaries set, I might keep totally current throughout my keep.
Between a scrumptious dinner at Tillie’s, an impromptu evening swim, and breakfast inside petting distance of the farm’s alpacas (!!), I left my staycation feeling refreshed, calm, and impressed to sort out the week forward. And the perfect half? I didn’t should navigate airport crowds, drop off a rental automotive, or undergo by way of any flight delays. I so usually overlook what’s in shut proximity as a getaway and that outlook totally shifted for me after my keep at Camp Lucy. Right here’s a recap of my journey, plus the staycation ideas that helped me take in the expertise.
1. You Don’t Must Journey Far to Really feel Refreshed
I’ve usually thought that to totally disconnect, I must get to this point out of city (or state) to totally take pleasure in it. PSA: I used to be fully mistaken. Not solely was Camp Lucy such a brief drive from my house, however it’s additionally an space of Texas the place I haven’t spent a lot time. Due to that, the expertise felt much more particular and distinctive.
On the finish of the day, my staycation wanted to be easy, straightforward, shut, and enjoyable. Heading out of state for a fast 24 hours would have solely exacerbated my stress.
2. Novelty is all the time a supply of pleasure
Camp Lucy was a very new spot for each me and my boyfriend. Not solely did we get to see a brand new place collectively, however obtained to have new experiences collectively. We signed up for 2 onsite actions: a bourbon cocktail class and hatchet throwing/archery, which made the keep all of the extra enjoyable. I used to be in search of levity, ease, and one thing new to me—and Camp Lucy delivered.
3. Experiences > Issues
That is nothing new. The truth is, I’ve usually written about how experiences are a lot extra fulfilling than virtually something I might purchase. This 12 months and past, I’ve set the intention to hunt out extra novelty. The enjoyment of experiencing one thing for the primary time simply hits completely different.
Ultimately, it wasn’t only a brand-new place that helped me calm down, however the serendipity that got here with the brand new place.
Previous to reserving Camp Lucy, I thought of doing one thing I do know already relaxes me: a spa day, going to a film, or perhaps hanging by a pool. However I’ve accomplished all of these and I knew my thoughts and physique would solely calm down for a second. Ultimately, it wasn’t only a brand-new place that helped me calm down, however the serendipity that got here with the brand new place. We tried new actions collectively, fed the alpacas, tried a brand new restaurant, took a dip within the pool, and stayed up laughing and telling tales all evening. (Bonus: We didn’t get on our telephones as soon as besides to play Tu Pac and dance the evening away in our lodge room.)
All these items probably wouldn’t have occurred if I have been at house. And so they undoubtedly wouldn’t have occurred if I had simply booked a therapeutic massage and referred to as it a day.
4. You Don’t Want A lot Time to Disconnect
One other false impression I had about taking time away was that my staycation wanted to be no less than a full weekend. However I left extra refreshed from 24 hours away from house than I did for a two-day, full-of-fun journey in Los Angeles final month. I’m actually blown away by how a lot enjoyable and the way relaxed I used to be in a brief time frame. It may be accomplished should you decide to disconnecting and giving your self precisely what you want.
5. The Key Is Staying Someplace That Aligns With What You Want
Deciding on the suitable spot was key to this staycation being so successful. (There was no method a Vegas-style resort pool with blaring music and loud events would assist me unwind and calm down.) Professional tip: Do your analysis prematurely. Transcend the data you may get on-line and name the concierge to speak about what they provide. Each of our actions have been non-public, which made the keep that rather more intimate and we might cater them to what we would have liked. I wasn’t within the temper for a bigger group setting or being tremendous social. Honoring these emotions helped me depart relaxed and totally recharged.
Ultimate Ideas on Taking an Intentional Staycation
As I’m taking a look at my calendar for the remainder of the summer time and into the autumn, I’m impressed to e book one other brief, close by keep to beat the burnout.
I’m hoping to go away that future journey with yet one more contemporary perspective on what’s actually necessary to me: the straightforward pleasures with folks I like to preserve me relaxed.