The Complete Guide to a Staycation for Entrepreneurs

A break doesn’t have to be a three-day vacay to your favorite spot – it can be something as simple as staying cozy at home. One of the things I’ve noticed over the years is that business owners undervalue and underestimate the power of taking a break at home. That’s why I’m sharing the complete guide to a staycation for entrepreneurs! 

We’re covering the when, why, and, what to do for your staycation to help relieve stress, avoid burnout, and mesh taking a break in with a busy season. Often those moments when you feel like you can’t step away are the moments you should take a break from your business – even if it’s just putting your phone down and moving to your living room for a few days.

What is a Staycation and Why Do You Need One?

A staycation is just a friendly term for a stay-at-home vacation. It’s for those moments when you need to take a break, but you’re not able to take an actual vacation – whether that’s because of time constraints, budgets, relationships, etc.

Taking a staycation as an entrepreneur is one of the best ways to get the benefits of unplugging for vacation – just in your own home or locally. The downside is that you’re still at home, meaning it’s much easier to walk past your home office and check in on all your biz things.

It’s time to take a staycation when you feel like you’re getting overwhelmed with your work or when you’re losing your inspiration. Both are signs that burn-out is right around the corner and it’s time to take a step back before your body (and brain) force you.

How to Take a Staycation for Entrepreneurs

The beauty of a staycation is that you don’t necessarily have to plan them – you can just decide that the next 24-48 hours are for yourself, free of work, free of clients, and free from your business. 

First, you’re going to need to set your business to the side. Turn off your notifications, log out of your project management, and just exist. Next, you’re going to look into what you can do and what you want to do, it’s all about working with your energy here.

Do you need to get out of the house or do you need a curl up on the couch? Do you need your fave dish doordashed or do you want to prep you family’s secret 16-step recipe? It’s all about feeling de-stressed and revitilized – which tends to look a little different for everyone.

While what works for my personal staycations might not work for you, here are some of my favorite things to do when I take a staycation as an entrepreneur:

Take a Spa Day

Nails, hair, facial – it’s a full day or a part day. I always feel so much more confident when I get my nails done! It’s the perfect option to treat yourself a little bit without traveling out of state or even out of town.

Plan a Movie Night

Spin the wheel and pick a movie randomly or play your favorite comfort movie, it’s up to you! I do recommend getting some movie snacks and making a yummy cocktail (or mocktail).

Play Tourist

Channel your inner tourist and explore the most well-known and wonderful places in your city for the day. Embrace the “touristy” habits and enjoy the views – and the food – people travel to your city for. I feel like this is something you should do at least once on your staycation for entrepreneurs.

Read a Book

I love reading a good book, and it helps that you can read literally anywhere. Whether you want to sit at your local library, make a picnic at the local park, or stay at home you can pick up a book and read it through.

Take a Craft Class

Do you have a local craft shop or artisan spot? Look and see if they have classes available for the night! Many craft spots offer themed nights that can be fun by yourself, with your friend, or with your partner.

Is it Time for a Staycation? Here’s the Deal…

As much as we would love to jet off to the bahamas when were getting a little stressed it’s not always that easy. And, while I’m a huge fan of taking breaks and taking sporadic weekend vacays, I also recognize when I can’t physically be away from my business – but I can take some time away from it.

And I take the time, I take that time and I step back, do something I love for a day or two, and come back re-energized. That’s when its time for a staycation, when you’re just not in it anymore and need a reboot.If you’re not convinced on stepping back even if it’s just for a day or two, I highly recommend taking a listen and checking out my episode of Musings with Maliquea sharing why vacation is vital to success.