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Young women on deckchair in the garden

How to holiday at home

Just because you’ve had to cancel holidays and change plans, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy a break. It’s still important to take time away from work, especially during the challenging circumstances we’re all facing.

Whilst some lockdown restrictions are being lifted, our normal social activities are still on hold, so you need to be creative with your annual leave to get the most out of it. Here’s some ideas to help...

Switch off from work

First things first, you need to get yourself into ‘holiday mode.’ It may be tempting to check your emails, or message a colleague about a project you started, but this stops you from taking the break you need.

To fully switch off, we recommend you:

  • Put your out of office on, so everyone knows you aren’t working
  • Store your laptop out of sight, to remove the temptation of checking it
  • Log out of your work emails on your phone
  • Create a back-to-work plan or checklist, to avoid worrying about what you need to do

Once you’ve fully switched off, you can begin to enjoy your at-home holiday.

Happy smiling family cooking pizza at home

Stir up some foreign cuisine

You might not be able to visit your favourite destinations and taste the local cuisine. But you can always get creative in the kitchen and make your own culinary tour.

Here’s some popular national dishes you could experiment with:

  • Spain: paella or patatas bravas
  • Italy: pizza, risotto, or a spaghetti/pasta dish
  • Mexico: tacos, enchiladas, or quesadillas
  • Greece: moussaka, dolmades, or feta salad
  • France: crepes, ratatouille, or onion soup
Smiling woman reading novel on sofa

Read an airport novel

For some, reading by the sea or a nice swimming pool is the ultimate way to relax. While it might not be the scenery you hoped for, why not nestle into the sofa, or find a cosy spot in the garden, to escape into a good book

Taking some time to read is good for you too. According to the BBC, reading can have a positive impact on your mental wellbeing1, by:

  • Keeping your brain active
  • Aiding sleep
  • Countering feelings of loneliness
  • Boosting your self esteem
Boy hanging up bunting in the garden

Bring the beach home

Craving the relaxing, chilled-out atmosphere of a tropical beach? If you've got a back garden, or access to an outside space, why not create your very own?

Bringing out the deckchairs, donning colourful shirts, and making vibrant drinks are just a few ideas for creating your at-home paradise.

Girl and boy in garden watching hedgehog

Go on a domestic safari

You don’t need to visit the Serengeti to get a nature fix. The UK is home to all sorts of interesting wildlife, such as birds, foxes, bats, hedgehogs and squirrels.

Your time-off could be a great chance to explore this wildlife on your doorstep – or even spend some time in the garden, to see what furry, winged, or crawling creatures pay you a visit.

Man and woman laughing with iPad

Take a virtual culture trip

While not the real deal, you can still absorb sights of faraway destinations from your very own phone or laptop. Simply jump onto Google Earth to find world wonders and bustling cities at your fingertips. Why not check out the bright lights of Manhattan, or even the ancient temples of Angkor Wat?

Happy young woman knitting at home

Get creative

If you like getting stuck into arts and crafts, why not get creative in your time-off? You may enjoy writing short poems, simply doodling on a pad, or even knitting an item for a loved-one. For more ideas, read our article on creative activities you can do at home.

Enjoy your well-needed time off

We hope these ideas help you enjoy your holiday at home. If any tips inspire your time-off, we’d love to see the holiday pics, or if you’ve got extra ideas to share, please get in touch with us on: Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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