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Vacations are good for sanity…even stay at home vacations…especially for busy moms! However, most of the time it is just not possible to take a vacation when you are a busy wife and mom. I get it! Sometimes when the kids have a break from school or when my husband has to go away on business…I want to take a break too! BUT…I can’t completely step away…after all, I’m still the mom! So…how do I get a stay at home vacation when I am a stay at home mom?
I have found a few things I can do that make me feel like I’m getting the break that I need!
But before I get into my list…let me say one thing (ok…it might be more than one thing!) Don’t forget to take care of yourself with your personal routines…time with God, sleep, exercise, getting dressed, and fueling your body. I find when I let myself slack in those things…even when I’m on a “stay at home vacation” then I start feeling frumpy…and I’m not happy with myself or anyone around me! That’s no way to spend a vacation!
11 Ways to Take a Stay at Home Vacation if you are a Stay at Home Mom
- Use paper products…yep, this isn’t something I do often (I do care about the landfills!) but using them every so often makes me feel like I’m getting a break!
- Plan for freezer meals. If I can plan ahead and put some meals in the freezer for these times when I know I’m going to want a “mom vacation” it can make meals a breeze!
- Use premade freezer meals. If making your own freezer meals is just too overwhelming…then take advantage of your nearest Costco or Sam’s. It’s important to me to make my family’s meals from scratch…but sometimes mom needs a vacation!
- Be prepared with some fun ideas…after all, you are on vacation! If I can think of a few activities that we don’t normally do then it makes my “stay at home vacation” seem more like a break!
- If possible arrange some play dates….it is nice to get everyone out of the house at the same time!
- Or…sometimes it’s not too bad having play dates at my house. My kids are old enough that when friends come over to play…they are occupied and it can feel like a break for me!
- Have a dance party in the living room. There is something about getting up and dancing with kids dancing around me that is fun and rejuvenating!
- Get outside. I can be a homebody…but I feel better when I get some sunshine. So…taking a walk or playing outside with my kids can bring a smile to my face!
- Plan to do something that you (just you) are looking forward to! Get a book you’ve been wanting to read, watch a movie you want to watch, or get some food that you love (that nobody else in the house appreciates!)
- A good mom vacation should involve some sort of pampering…like a long soak in the tub when the kids go to bed or schedule a hair appointment while they are gone at a play date. I also enjoy facial masks and foot soaks. Or maybe just take a nap! If I were a nail painting sort of girl…I might pick up a bright new color to try on! Figure out what makes you happy…and do it!
- When my kids have a break (Fall break, Spring break, Christmas break, Summer break) I sometimes plan a movie afternoon. This only works for me because I usually limit screen time…so this feels like a treat to my kids! If I pop some popcorn…they think I’m the best mom ever…and I’ve got a couple hours of free time!
Make it Happen!
- Plan a time when you are going to take a stay at home vacation…don’t schedule extra appointments…unless it’s fun for you or play dates for the kids!
- Download the Self Care pdf so you can figure out what will rejuvenate you!
- Sign up for my weekly “Use-It” Letter and get some ideas you can really use in your life!
