Both for our body and mind, it is vital to recharge your batteries from time to time. With summer soon approaching, you may feel nostalgic about the long and carefree vacations spent with family and friends. A profound proverb tells us that all work and no play makes us dull. It is absolutely true! Vacations work like magic and for no small reason. They provide the much-needed break to lift your worries, brighten perspectives, devote quality time to yourself and family, and improve productivity in the long run. Indeed, it is ideal for each person to take a minimum of one vacation per year.

However, given the rapid outbreak of Coronavirus across the globe and the World Health Organization (WHO) having declared the disease a pandemic, the situation is stark. With social distancing, isolation, and self-quarantine strictly in place, vacations are currently out of question. However, there is always a way to recharge yourself sans going on a holiday. You can always take some downtime every day rather than just piling it up for some weekend getaway. And this is quite achievable. If you make an honest effort to completely detach after work and indulge in hobbies like reading, writing, exercising, your energy will automatically surge.

Taking mini-breaks between work to listen to music or make a cup of coffee or snack helps boost your vitality. On holidays and leaves, engage in some constructive activity such as playing with your kids, taking turns at narrating stories within the family or engaging in a favorite pastime that was dropped for the lack of time. Make sure you shower love and care for yourself in the process. It is a good idea to avoid passive activities like binge-watching on the television or online. These tend to make you more lethargic. That said, activities need to fit within your personality and mindset, and these may vary from person to person.

Vacations are essential as they provide a breath of fresh air. However, it is not always mandatory to follow the conventional path. Indeed, there can be no substitute for embarking on a holiday outdoors. But there are quite a few ways to go by when you cannot opt for a vacation.

Here are some ideas!

Mini-Breaks While Working

Reframe Your Job Role

Start looking at your job with a whole new perspective. Engage in spending quality time on tasks that help you achieve a better flow. Try to delegate tasks that disrupt your flow of work to others and break the monotony.

Schedule time off every day

If you have your own business, are a parent or you are working in essential industries, it is likely that you find no time for yourself at the moment. It is important to schedule time every day for yourself. Take this time to do what you love like going for a walk, cooking your favorite meal, sit down at the dinner table for lunch or spending time with loved ones without thinking about work – even if it is only for 20 minutes.

Redecorate the Workspace

If possible, consider adding a touch of renovation at your workplace. You could ask your family or colleagues to participate in the refurbishing (virtually). It doesn’t need to be extensive. Making small but important changes here and there can refresh your working place immensely. Get a plant, fancy coaster, a nice coffee mug, crystals, essential oils… the options are endless and will undoubtedly brighten your mood.

Stretch & Flex

Stand up, flex your arms and legs, and take intermittent breaks from work. Consider stretching and doing some easy free-hand exercises when you are on a phone call (without the camera on of course). The movement of muscles will naturally make you feel physically and mentally better.

Adopt A Fun Dress Code

Shifting the usual dynamics can be charmingly refreshing. A great way to do this is by adopting a fun dress code. If possible and as so many of us are stuck at home with no dress code rules, make your own rules. You can also make this a team event and share photos with each other. This will make you feel cheerful and give you the feeling of a much-needed community.

Smile

Smile as often as you can, even if you don’t have a reason. Your disposition and behavior help in determining your attitude. When you are happy and emit positive vibes, you tend to attract, influence, and motivate others around you. Positivity is contagious, much more than any pandemic! Remember that acting a certain way helps you to feel the same eventually.

Mini-Breaks Away From Work

Shift Your Focus

If you find yourself thinking about your work even after it’s over, it is time to deliberately disengage. Make a schedule that helps you detach yourself from work once it is completed. To make this possible, consider playing a board game (online or offline), practicing online yoga, going for a run or walk after you finish work to officially start your evening.

Connect With People

Respecting the need for space and distancing is important but it is equally necessary to spend time with friends and family. Even if you cannot physically approach your dear ones, connect with them over the phone or online. Social interactions, albeit virtually, will go a long way in recharging your energy. You can plan a 2-hour video conference with your whole family or have an online drink with your friends Friday evening. You will feel recharged after that.

Plan A Trip

We will probably stay-at-home and in our respective country for a while. But nobody stops you from researching and shortlisting places that you want to visit in the future. It is no secret that planning a vacation gets you there halfway. This helps you create positive momentum and anticipation for the days ahead. And this, in turn, keeps you going.

Bonus Tip

Find Your Purpose

A task becomes achievable when you understand its purpose. Research how you can help the community around you through this crazy time. Maybe you can go grocery shopping for your neighbor or create much-needed equipment like masks. Having a purpose and helping will keep you going.

Recharging and rejuvenating yourself is all about getting your energy high and mastering the art of getting by. You need to take occasional breaks and add that zest in your daily life. And recharging yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is completely possible even if vacation is a strict no-no. Try out the above activities and bust that I stress and anxiety. You deserve it.

You might also like our Yoga Poses you can do on your Sofa.