When was the last time when you spent a holiday at home? Well… I don’t. Even when I wanted to just sit and relax, I would catch the first flight out, book myself into a hotel and spend two-three days doing nothing. Now, I don’t think I’ll be doing that. That urge to travel, needs to stop. Here are some important lessons that the lockdown has taught me.
Stay Home For A Staycation
With our hectic work schedules, we barely get time to spend some time with friends, or step out during the week. So, we step out during the weekend, and then end up having Monday blues. It becomes a vicious cycle of tiredness. How about staying home for the weekend. Take baby steps. Read a book, take a long shower or just lie on the bed and stare at the ceiling. Yes, your room may not overlook a beach, or have a view of the valley, but you would feel just as relaxed.
Wake Up Early For That Healthy Retreat
We sign up for rejuvenation retreats, yoga camps and ‘inner peace’ meditation sessions. It’s about channelising your energies and being at peace with yourself. One of the key things that all these places focus on is starting your day early. Why don’t we do that at home? Why is it that we equate our ‘stay home’ day with lethargy? Wake up early, spread the curtains wide, open the window and breathe in – breathe out. Fill yourself and your home with positivity and see how it brings a change in you!
Better Bonds With Buddies
It’s always an easy option to go on a trip with friends. Everyone is excited, you are discovering a new place, and then there is a thrill! Now negate all these factors and see, if you can still have conversations? I have realised that during this lockdown. Video chat and FaceTime sessions are far more personal and less distracting. Yes, after five drinks, while you are sitting at the best bar in town, overlooking the skyline of a beautiful city, and you tell your friend that you will be there for them; would you have the same feeling with cold coffee, while you are at home? Think about it.
Also read: Every Birthday, I Gift Myself A Solo Vacation Instead Of Throwing A Party
Fine Dine With Your Family
I am a solo traveller. I have enjoyed the idea of being all by myself and having some ‘me’ time. But I would not be honest if I say that I haven’t enjoyed this lockdown period spending time with my family. It’s fun, listening to their experiences, their life stories which we never really got around to, because whenever they would get a chance, they would head off, or I would. That morning coffee, or evening chai, maybe even those weekend meals where my mom sits and I cook for her, her favourite meal, is far better than sitting and having a meal all by yourself.
Declutter And Unpack
One of the reasons we often end up travelling, which on certain occasions turns out to be a means of ‘escaping reality’ is because of the ‘mess’ we are in. Call it, physical, mental or emotional. But there had to come a time when you can’t distract yourself but get the courage to deal with it. And once you do, the energy and the confidence that brews in you, is certainly more than any vacation can ever add on to your personality. If you are losing focus, understand and eradicate the clutter, dust those book shelves, empty those drawers and unpack that pandora’s box and experience the magical feeling that is in store for you.
Also read: Here’s How You Can Have The Ultimate Staycation At Home!
All this doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t stop travelling. It doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t go for my solo trips or staycations. I earn and yearn to travel more. But, if there is one thing that this lockdown has taught me, is to stop and stare. Now, I wouldn’t be packing my bags and heading off every chance that I get; because I think exploring the world can wait, but exploring myself, can’t.