How to Plan a Staycation to Recharge For Nurses

Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation, but the thought of planning a week-long vacation felt overwhelming? Maybe you need a few days to recharge, but you don’t want to utilize all your vacation time because you want to save it for another planned vacation. 

I’ve felt this way often, and over the years, I have discovered the benefits and the joy of a staycation.  My first staycation was in 2016. I worked as a night shift nurse in a Multi-Trauma Intensive Care unit.  I felt burned out and exhausted, and my husband surprised me with a staycation in Washington, D.C. It was a fun weekend of exploring the city, visiting the zoo, and attending a food event called “Taste of Georgetown.”  During the staycation, I felt like I was “away.” After our staycation ended, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed. 

This opened my eyes to the mental health benefits of planning a staycation throughout the year and not waiting until my yearly week-long vacation to recharge. Staycations are a great way to relax and feel refreshed without taking extended time off work and avoiding the stress that can come with planning a vacation. In this post, I'll share tips to help you plan a staycation.

Tip: If you only have one day available, consider a daycation and focus the entire day on you. Take a day trip to a nearby city, plan a few fun activities, or attend a wellness retreat.

Staycation at The Seabird in Oceanside, CA 2024

1. The Importance of Taking a Staycation Getaway

• The Need for Rest:

  • As nurses, we often work long shifts, are exposed to high-stress situations, and work many overtime hours. Staycations are a great way to set aside time to rest and recharge. 

• Preventing Burnout:

  • Life and work can be busy. Regular breaks, even short ones, help maintain balance and reduce the risk of burnout.

  • A Change of scenery and routine can help you return to work feeling refreshed and more focused.

• Boosting Mental Health

  • A staycation offers a chance to disconnect from work stress, helping to reduce anxiety and enhance overall well-being.

  • Spending time exploring your local area, trying new restaurants, and taking city tours during your staycation will support your social wellness by providing opportunities to learn fun facts about your city, supporting local businesses, and connecting with others.

2. Choosing the Right Destination for Your Staycation  Getaway

Consider Your Preferences:

Take some time to think about what you prefer for your staycation. Do you want to have a quiet getaway in the mountains, or do you want to listen to the sound of ocean waves as you sleep? Do you want to explore your city’s downtown or stay in a trendy suburban area?

You don’t need to stay the night at a hotel to experience a staycation. You can stay the night in the comfort of your home and plan things to do during the day throughout the weekend. This is also a great way to save money and keep your staycation budget-friendly. 

• Proximity to Home: When I plan a staycation, I choose a place that is no more than 1—1 hour 30 minutes from my home if I book a night at a hotel. I choose a location that's close enough to avoid long travel times but far enough to feel like an escape from daily life.

• Budget-Friendly Options:

If you plan to book a hotel room, consider the seasonal pricing. I live in San Diego and only book during the off-season if I am interested in planning a beach staycation. During peak season, hotel prices can be double or triple what I would pay during the off-season.

• Weather and Season:

  • Depending on where you book your staycation, check the weather forecast to ensure the destination is ideal for the time of year you plan to go. For example, if you want to have a staycation in the mountains, you may need to be prepared for snow. Alternatively, in California, you may need to consider wildfire season. 

  • Keep in mind seasonal attractions like festivals, fall foliage, spring flowers, or beach weather. Hotel prices may be high during these times, and there may be more crowds due to tourists. 

3. What to Pack for a Weekend Getaway

• Clothing:

  • The kind of clothing you pack depends on your staycation plans. Will you be exploring the city, hiking in the mountains, or spending time at the spa? 

  • I suggest packing a cozy outfit for lounging or relaxing. This will help you intentionally set aside time to rest and relax. 

• Self-Care Essentials:

  • Don’t forget your wellness essentials—skin care products, bath salts, essential oils, etc.

  • Bring a journal, headphones for your favorite playlist or podcast, or books to help you unwind and reset mentally. 

• Technology Considerations:

  • Please leave behind work-related tech (like your work phone or laptop) to fully disconnect.

  • It might be helpful to have a mini digital detox by silencing social media apps or deleting them from your phone for the weekend to truly disconnect and focus on yourself. 

4. Setting Intentions for Your Getaway

• Clarify Your Purpose: When thinking about your staycation, consider what you want to accomplish (e.g., rest, relaxation, adventure, exploration, or a combination of all of the above).

• Set your intention to disconnect, recharge, and focus on self-care. 

• Plan Time for Both Relaxation and Exploration:

  • Ensure a balance between downtime (such as reading, napping, or spa visits) and activities (like hiking, exploring local attractions, or dining out).

  • Don’t over-schedule your weekend; the goal is to recharge, not stress over timing. The last thing you want to do is return from your staycation feeling exhausted because you over planned your activities. 

5. How to Plan a Staycation Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival and Unwinding:

  • Arrive, unpack, and take some time to settle in.

  • Begin with a leisurely activity, such as a walk or a visit to a local café.

  • Have dinner at a local restaurant.

  • Depending on the day you start your staycation, you could also plan your spa day on Day 1, ensuring you begin your staycation refreshed. 

• Day 2: Exploring or Pampering Yourself:

  • Depending on your destination, you can spend the morning exploring local sights (e.g., trendy neighborhoods, museums, local brunch spots, and historical sites) or enjoying outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or beach walks.

  • Consider a spa treatment, city tour, or rest in the afternoon.

  • End the day with a relaxing dinner and time to rest, reflect, or enjoy the surroundings.

• Day 3: Self-Care and Reflection:

  • On your final day, begin slowly with a relaxing breakfast or visit a peaceful spot like a local park, beach, or pool.

  • Before heading home, consider journaling, reading, or listening to a podcast. Reflect on your experiences and set intentions for the week ahead.

6. How to Fully Disconnect During Your Staycation

• Practice Mindfulness:

  • Use this time to engage in mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises or simply being present in the moment.

  • Focus on your surroundings—appreciate nature, the people around you, or even the quiet moments of solitude.

• Allow Yourself to Rest:

  • Let go of any pressure to “do” during your getaway. Simply be.

  • Take naps, read without an agenda, spend time at the spa, hike in nature, explore the city, or enjoy watching the sunset without a rush to move on to the next thing.

7. How to Return from Your Weekend Getaway Refreshed

• Ease Back Into Your Routine:

  • When you return home, transition slowly back into your daily life. In other words, don’t try to do everything the day after you return. 

  • If you like to prep your meals for the week, I recommend returning from your staycation early enough to allow time to get ready so you do not feel overwhelmed. 

• Incorporate Habits of Self-Care and Moments of Rest from Your Staycation:

  • Use the relaxation techniques you learned during your weekend to incorporate into your usual routines.

  • Whether it’s a morning walk or regular breaks for self-care, make these habits part of your everyday life.

Incorporating staycations throughout the year can be an easy and budget-friendly way to recharge.  Staycations benefit your mental well-being, decrease stress levels, and allow time to focus on self-care. So, why wait for an extended vacation? Start planning your next staycation and give yourself the break you deserve!

Share your favorite place to staycation or what activities you enjoy during your staycations.