We just returned from one week in Florida.
It’s not a real vacation in the true sense of the word, but it’s close enough for me. 
My daughters (7 and 1) and I were visiting my husband who works in Ft. Myers every year for a few weeks. It’s too long to go without seeing him so we head down there to have dinner and play mini-golf with him (most nights, he works long days).
The best part of this whole trip is getting to go to the beach.
I just love the beach. The sun. The sand. The water. On the first day, I let out a giant sigh the minute my eyes can see the sea. And then an even bigger sigh, the minute my toes hit the sand and the water.
It took a few days for the Vitamin D to sink in and when it did, I was like new money. I live in New England and by February, my Vit D levels are no doubt low (I do supplement, but probably not enough). I had been feeling a bit crabby, uninspired, and a smidge melancholy. Okay, let’s call it like it was. I was a cranky bitch. It’s true. But by day 4, I was feeling sooooo much better. Lots of great ideas for my business came to me, I felt more inspired, I was more pleasant to my children (AND my husband to his great relief), I smiled more. Agh. Relief! Quasi vacation, I love you!
Think you can’t take a vacation?
You must.
Your creativity will benefit, your soul will benefit, your business will benefit. There is a lot of power in doing less, ya know. It may seem counter-intuitive, but it is actually a scientific fact. Okay, it is not, but I hear LOTS of people saying how much their businesses (and their lives) actually improve the more time they take off – the more time they take for THEMSELVES!
Okay, so you can’t plan or afford a week away right now?
Here are some tips for a little stay-cation. With a little creativity, planning, and determination, you CAN make it happen.
1. Got kids? It’s expensive to pay for a sitter for a whole day, let alone more than one day! Get with a friend who has kids and plan to trade kids for a day or a weekend. Win-win. Or barter with someone who will watch your kids. Babysit their dog or offer what services you can to them.
2. Get out of your norm. Do something completely different than you might. Loner? Make plans with a bunch of friends and go do a fun, physical activity. Social maven? Spend the day alone and do something you never do. It is really good to change things up. You never know who you will meet, what kind of great ideas will come your way, and/or what kind of crazy fun day you will have!
3. Try a spa day. Get the kids out of the house. Get some fruit and salad stuff. Take naps. Take a long, hot bath with mineral salts. Try a DIY face mask. Drink lots of water, eat fruit and a big salad. Unplug from the computer and the tv. Schedule a massage if you can afford it (remember that barter idea? if you know a massage therapist, see if you can barter with them or schedule a shorter one which will cost less). Plan a nice dinner at home or out with one of your favorite people (or just yourself).
4. Get by the water! It is so healing and peaceful. So if you live within an hour or so of the water, go there. Take a walk along the shore and if it is not too cold, take the shoes off and get those feet on the sand and maybe even the water. If you are in Boston, Castle Island in So. Boston is a great place to go as are the beaches near it. We also love Wingaersheek Beach and Singing Beach on the No. Shore, less than an hour drive from Boston.
Those are just some ideas, but you get the point.
So try it and let us know what you did and what the results were!
And do share any ideas you have with everyone else in the comments below.
Happy Vacationing (or Staycationing)!
Love,
Adrienne
call mother more! 
