Taking a break from your busy routine can benefit you in many ways. Aside from reducing stress and preventing job burnout, going on a vacation can boost creativity, productivity, and positive emotions. It also improves your mental health and overall well-being. With all these incredible advantages, you may want to get that much-needed break, especially if you’ve been working non-stop for a while now.
Perhaps you’ve always wanted to go on vacation, but you’re a little short on cash. If so, consider going on a staycation instead of planning a trip somewhere far away. You can book a room in one of the many budget hotels in Pasay or around your area and arrange an overnight or weekend stay to relax, recharge, and have fun without breaking the bank.
If you want to transform a seemingly ordinary staycation into an enjoyable and full-fledged vacation, you may need to organize your schedule, plan your activities, and get creative. As with anything worth doing, a little preparation and the right mindset can help you make the most of your brief holiday. To help you achieve this, below are several budget-friendly staycation ideas you may want to try:
Explore Art Galleries
What's Inside
Going on vacation often includes exploring great places and enjoying extraordinary sights. Where else can you find such diverse sights in one place than an art gallery? Search for galleries and art museums near your hotel ahead of time so you can plan your visit well. You can also check out some of the major shopping malls, as they often have a dedicated floor for art galleries and exhibitions where you can view and appreciate art for free.
Looking at paintings and artworks is an excellent way to bring your staycation to the next level without spending too much. You can relax, calm your mind, and get immersed in the moment—something you probably don’t get enough of. Moreover, viewing artworks can help lower stress levels, fight loneliness, and make life more meaningful, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology.
Stream Your Favorite Movies or Television Series
Another budget-friendly way to enjoy your staycation is by taking advantage of the hotel’s air-conditioning, huge TV, and free Wi-Fi service. Just connect your laptop or mobile phone to the hotel’s smart TV so you can stream and binge-watch your favorite movies or TV shows to your heart’s content. Better yet, make an extra effort to improve the in-room watching experience by considering the following tips:
Set the mood. Try to create an ideal cinema setting by closing the curtains to darken the room, then look for suitable accent lights to provide just the right illumination to prevent eye strain. Perhaps you can also adjust the temperature in the room and spray a light perfume in the air to make the ambiance more inviting. Don’t forget to fluff your pillows and find the comfiest spot in the bed.
Avoid distractions. Turn off the notifications or alarms on your cellular phone, so you can fully immerse in the action happening on screen. Be in the moment and resolve to have fun.
Ready your snacks. Munching on your favorite snacks can enhance your movie/TV-watching experience immensely. So, make sure to get your popcorn, chips, and drinks ready before starting. Remember to buy them from nearby supermarkets instead of convenience stores or hotel shops to save money.
Go for a Leisurely Walk
Even if your hotel doesn’t have a garden or expansive grounds, you can look for nearby public parks for taking a stroll. You can go early in the morning to enjoy the many benefits of sunlight, from boosting vitamin D and strengthening bones to improving sleep quality and mood. But if you want to sleep in, you can try going for a leisurely walk early in the evening or after dinner.
Aside from helping burn calories and lower cholesterol levels, walking and spending time in green spaces can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Keep in mind that you don’t have to follow a particular path or go to a specific destination. Just delight in the scenery, enjoy the fresh air, and take advantage of this relaxing time. Maybe you can listen to your favorite music or inspiring talks and take pictures to make your walk more pleasurable.
Stay in Bed
While it’s tempting to spend your staycation doing all sorts of activities, don’t forget that the key to a relaxing vacation is to take some downtime. As such, not doing anything is always an option. You can stay in bed and catch up on sleep. Or maybe you can read a book, meditate, daydream, or think about life.
While it may seem unpopular, it’s perfectly alright to be idle from time to time. In fact, taking a break and letting your mind rest can do you a lot of good. One study published in the Psychological Science journal found that engaging in simple activities that let the mind wander can facilitate creative problem-solving. Essentially, you’re most likely to gain a better perspective on a problem and come up with innovative solutions if you allow your mind to wander.
The items discussed above are just some of the things you can do to elevate your staycation experience without breaking the bank. You can adopt these ideas in toto or use them as an inspiration to come up with other budget-friendly ways to make the most of your weekend escape. Who knows? Maybe you’ll discover that an occasional staycation was all you needed to rest, enjoy, and renew your energy and passion for work.
