HOLIDAYING AT HOME

So despite moving from Australia to London with the intention of using every possible opportunity to travel Europe, my 2020 has turned out more staycation than vacation.

With Christmas in London now cancelled, here is my list of the 20 best things to do when you have to spend your hard earned annual leave within the same four walls you have spent the rest of the year – 2020, right

1. SET A ROUTINE

Speak to any successful person, be it in business or sport or otherwise and they will preach the importance of habit rather than motivation. If you want to make the most of your vacay and feel like you actually got something out of it other than finishing every show on Netflix, and all your local supermarkets stock of Peanut MnMs while you were at it (just me?), get up and get out and get things done.

Start your day with a walk to get out of the house (government guidelines permitting) or lock yourself into a few fitness apps and see what works for you.

2. GET INVOLVED

Get started on that hobby you’ve always wanted to master but never had the time. Set up that blog (are you sensing a theme), start learning that language or sign up for that couch to 5k program. If you have a purpose to wake up for you will get so much more fulfilment from your time and be reenergised to start back when your holiday is over.

3. TREAT YOURSELF

Any which way that suits. Have that bath you’ve always dreamt of, apply a face mask (no, not the 2020 kind) or eat all the chocolate. Depending on what continent you’re on RN sunbathing in the backyard may not be possible but do whatever helps you to feel rested and refreshed (hopefully for a better 2021)!

4. READ A BOOK

Nothing like a bit of escapism to help you feel like you’re on holiday. For my guide to the best chick lit for lit chicks (ie culminated from a million and one screenshots of suggestions on Instagram and flashy front covers in Waterstones), check out my blog post of the same name. Remember, just like bottles of wine, sometimes the best cover doesn’t always equal the best.

5. DO A DIGITAL CULL

Apps, social media or photos – go through your devices and clear out the clutter. Believe me, you’ll feel better afterwards.

6. GET TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

So often we are so busy coming and going we don’t know the ins and outs of our own hood. Grab a bike, take some cute shots for the gram and grab a coffee somewhere you haven’t been before.

7. GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Irrespective of whether you celebrate the holidays or not, light a few candles, clean the house, send a gift to a friend and consider your goals for the next year.

8. COOK AN EPIC MEAL

By my own admission (refer: my ‘Unpacking Meal Delivery Boxes’ post) I am a terrible cook. What better time to improve at (and understand the pride and passion some of my friends do) cooking? Just please please please understand that banana bread does not constitute part of the ‘epic meal’ food group. On the other hand, margaritas anyone?

9. PLAN YOUR NEXT TRIP

Ok ok depressing.com but what better time, right? Save the stress for later and work out where you want to stay, how you will get around and what you want to see. See some of my travel guides for inspo.

10. HOST A QUIZ NIGHT

According to my colleagues everyone is downright OVER virtual quiz nights. But as someone who has never been invited to participate in one, you bet I will be hosting my own. Or, diversify and get involved in a virtual escape room, murder mystery or cocktail making class.

11. MAKE PIZZA FROM SCRATCH

Let’s be real, who hasn’t wished they had the time for this before?

12. PERFECT YOUR OWN FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

Makes the house feel better and something to add to the resume right?

13. TEACH ENGLISH ONLINE

The perfect little side hustle.

14. CURATE YOUR WARDROBE

We’ve all done this and we’ve all felt all the feels. You know what I am talking about. That jacket from 2014? It’s back in. Sadly, so too is Fiorucci but let’s not go there.

15. SELL YOUR UNWANTED ITEMS

After seeing a few friends make serious cashola doing this, I have a cupboard literally devoted to things I could sell online but have never bothered to organise to put online. Same? Get on to it.

16. LEARN TO CURL YOUR HAIR/ PERFECT THAT WINGED EYELINER LOOK

You know that one beauty hack you’ve always wanted to be able to do but never had the time to practice? Now’s your chance.

17. CATALOGUE YOUR PHOTOS AND BACK UP YOUR DEVICES

God forbid you ever get pick pocketed or your phone ends up in a toilet, now is the time to prepare. Better safe than sorry, right?

18. JOURNAL/MANIFEST/MEDITATE

I am the first to admit that I am terrible at practising any form of mindfulness or meditation, my main excuse being lack of time. I now have no excuses.

19. MARIE KONDO YOUR LIFE AWAY

Nothing better than a clean house, wardrobe and life to start fresh the new year.

20. PERFORM AN ACT OF KINDNESS

Even if it just keeping in touch with family or friends, you never know how important a phone call could be.