Vacation life. Awwww. Days of carefree living, reduced stress and decision making. Adventure, explore and nap to your heart’s content.
This life seems SO far removed from the daily realities of normal life. And more particularly in these times of social distancing and confinement.
But my friends, that doesn’t have to be the case. Today, let’s explore some ways we can incorporate the rituals and routines we find while traveling into our homes. A way to lighten our burden and bring a little of this holiday atmosphere into our daily lives.
1. Simplify your morning routine.
Do you know how easily you spend your vacation mornings? The altered beauty and wardrobe routine brought on by fewer choices can be easily achieved at home. Put aside your favorite WFH outfits and wear them. In rehearsal. Same with your beauty routine. Choose your favorite products and commit to wearing them and only those. I find that when I do this regularly, my mornings start with a little more joy and lightness that carries over into my day.
2. Agree to do nothing.
Sum. Read. Paint. Newspaper. All the things you usually save for the holidays, why wait? Do them now. Break any activity into small pieces at a time: a few chapters here, one little nap over therea short respite to do some art. Undemanding activities like these will bring that free-spirited vacation vibe into your daily life – a welcome distraction and stress release during our days at home.
3. Set the mood.
Consider the details of your home and create ambiance. The perfect perfume, the playlist, the signature cocktail. Yes. These things. Do them, even at home. Light a candle, create (or find) a playlist, and create a special drink. Use this time at home to define and perfect the ambiance of your home, little by little.
4. Explore your surroundings.
Yes, I know this is probably limited to your walks around your house and neighborhood these days, but approach it like a curious explorer nonetheless. Take a different route on your evening walk, notice the details of the flowers and the colors of the doors, listen to the birds, watch the trees bloom for spring. In your home, rearrange a shelf, change pillows between roomsnotice the little things you’ve collected and loved, but haven’t really noticed in a while. Soak up these details, as you would while traveling. Take a photo, say thank you, note the daily special.
Take a different route on your evening walk, notice the details of the flowers and the colors of the doors, listen to the birds, watch the trees bloom for spring. In your home, rearrange a shelf, change pillows between rooms, notice the little things that you’ve collected and loved, but haven’t really noticed in a while.
5. Prepare a meal at a favorite place.
Did you love your trip to Thailand? Favorite meal in New York? Recreate this meal. Set the table, light some candles, play some music, and take a stroll down memory lane of a favorite trip.
Just because most of us are stuck at home doesn’t mean we have to give up the simple and beautiful pleasures of travel. Invite the curiosity, slowness and reflection of travel into your daily routine and remember to enjoy the beauty of the space, people and experiences around you.
Jill Elliott is an artist, wallpaper designer and writer constantly searching for inspiration and balance. You can find Jill’s original wallpaper and artwork at Color Studio. She can often be found making art and making messes alongside her daughter and puppy.