How to Get the Benefits of Travel When You’re Stuck at Home
Let’s be honest, this might be one of the craziest times we’ve all lived through. As we are practicing social distancing to protect not only ourselves but our families, friends, co-workers, and communities – canceling plans and upcoming trips can be frustrating and overwhelming.
Here are a few ways to get the same benefits of travel, while making the most out of your time at home and enjoying it.
escape
Whether it be the weather, work, obligations, or just the stress of daily life – we all need to escape and recharge periodically. Use this time at home to pamper yourself. Take a luxurious bubble bath, put on a face mask or give yourself a mani/pedi. Sleep in, rest and take that afternoon cat nap – especially if you have a cat to curl up with! Take a few minutes to sit in the sun, practice yoga or meditation. Jam to your favorite music; light your favorite candle or plugin that essential oil diffuser. Try to find something that brings you joy and allows you to take care of you.
education
I think it’s important for everyone to broaden their horizons, step out of their comfort zone and experience more of the world. Since we can’t exactly do that right now – take an online class. Watch that documentary you’ve been meaning to. Take a virtual tour of a museum, gallery or national park. Travel from all corners of the world, to space, to the bottom of the ocean, through history, and learn about all the incredible people, animals, and events in between. Try to engage in something that will immerse you in new information.
well-being
Travel gives me a respite from my daily worries and anxieties. It allows me to focus on something else and quite literally forces me to be out and about. Take this time to go outside and explore nature – keeping a safe distance from those around you. While you’re at, take some gloves and a garbage bag to pick up trash! I’m guilty of getting so caught up in my routine that I haven’t even seen many of the beautiful places in my own city. Get some exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. Take your dog for an extra-long walk – try to find a place that will rejuvenate you.
inspiration
There is always something new I see or experience on vacations that fills me with inspiration. Whether it’s writing, painting, knitting, gardening or baking – now is the time to make time for the hobbies that inspire you. Catch up on your favorite TV show. Listen to an audiobook. Read an interesting blog, article or magazine. Pick up that scrapbook you haven’t touched since 2002. Practice the piano or guitar, write in a journal, send a note or call a loved one. Take part in the activities you enjoy; try something new that you normally wouldn’t be able to make time for.
APPRECIATION
Not only am I tremendously grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to explore, but for the home, I’m able to return to. Use this time productively – spring clean, organize and go through items to be donated or recycled. Redecorate, rearrange, or do that house project you’ve been putting off for a rainy day. Sometimes the smallest change can make the biggest difference; surround yourself with things you love. Make your home your sanctuary.
Travel tends to put things into perspective, allowing you to step back and think about your priorities, what you can and can’t live without. This current climate does the same. Have gratitude for what and who you have in your life and hold them close. Actually – for the time being, hold them six feet away!
ABOUT KATHARINE KALAN
Katharine Kalan is an Account Manager by day, wannabe writer by night, cat mom, dog sister and loving daughter from the north woods of Minnesota. She recently decided to give this writing thing a go with a lighthearted blog called Couch Potato Curator. She hopes that her silly little musings put a smile on someone’s face! Follow Katharine on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
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