After living through a pandemic for the last two years, we’ve all learned
that taking a vacation doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going on
vacation.
But taking a break from work is very important for your mental health. Paid
time off (PTO) can help you disconnect from the stresses of your daily
routine and rejuvenate so you return to work feeling your best. Even if you
don’t leave the confines of your hometown, here are five healthy ways you
can use those precious days.
1. Drop the devices
If you’re taking PTO, the first thing you should do is step away from the
computer and put down your smartphone — even after work hours!
Screen time
affects your quality of sleep and strains your eyes, while social media is
known to
impact mental health. A day or two off from the technology will feel like a vacation on its
own.
2. Enjoy a “staycation”
Sometimes, you need to just “do you.” A
few days of downtime
can go a long way in helping you relax, and that’s something you can do
right in the comfort of your own home. Watch a movie in the middle of the
day, make a healthy, home-cooked meal using fresh ingredients, or spend an
hour just soaking in the tub reading a good book. If you’re feeling
productive, spend an afternoon rearranging a room or organizing a messy
storage closet. You’ll reap the benefits of making meaningful changes to
your home long past your vacation.
3. Get outside
There are few things healthier than a day spent outdoors. Use the
opportunity to do something new, like a walking tour of your hometown or a
trek on foot to a far-flung neighborhood you never visit for a picnic. The
vitamin D your body
receives from sunshine is important to your health, as are the
benefits you’ll receive from a day of walking.
4. Take up a (healthy) new hobby
Consider all the talents and skills you wish you had. PTO can be the
perfect excuse to take up that hobby that the demands of daily life have
stopped you from pursuing. Maybe you always considered running, swimming,
or biking. Perhaps you want to start gardening, learn a new language, or
perfect your favorite recipe. Now’s the time to give it a try. Every new
skill you learn will stick with you long after your time off comes to an
end.
5. Catch up with friends
Just because you’re not getting on an airplane and scoping out an exotic
location doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Whatever way you decide to
spend your PTO,
do it with friends! The last two years have been long for everyone, so your social group is
likely in need of some time off, too.
Spending time with friends can yield significant health benefits, including a boost in happiness and self-confidence. Friends can also help
you cope with life’s struggles and provide encouragement when you need it
most.
It’s important to get the most out of your PTO no matter what you do,
especially if you can’t travel. With a little bit of planning, local
vacation days can feel just as rewarding as a trip anywhere in the world —
and they’re always within reach.
