A Vacation in Your Own Backyard: How to Find Peace Close to Home
Simple ways to improve your mental health.
When was your last vacation?
No doubt longer ago than you would like. Most of us work too much and vacation too little.
I used to love vacations, but between the ever-increasing high cost of inflation and my own worsening anxiety, it’s been years since I went anywhere over 50 miles from home. While visiting white sand beaches is my favorite activity, the excursion feels impossible right now.
What do you do when you need a vacation but can’t go anywhere? Look in your own backyard.
“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking.” — Earl Wilson
Explore Things Close to Home
I’m not saying that you should never leave your home.
But, when was the last time you truly relaxed where you are? Without even realizing it, we can get trapped in the day-to-day grind and forget to appreciate our surroundings. This is especially true for those of us living with bipolar disorder.
When our minds are racing and we can’t seem to slow down, it’s important to find peace close to home.
It may not be as glamorous as a week in the Caribbean, but there are plenty of ways to relax and recharge without leaving town.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Take a day trip to a nearby town.
- Visit a local park or nature reserve.
- Attend a concert, play, or other live performance.
- Check out a new restaurant or cafe.
- Take a long walk or bike ride through your neighborhood or town.
- Have a picnic in your backyard or at a nearby park.
Make Your Backyard Inviting
I have a little area with a fire pit in my backyard where I go when I need to reset.
My yard ends at a woodland that extends down our hill into a fern-filled gulley. There are always birds, squirrels, and chipmunks for me to watch as the stress of life washes away.
When I feel up to it, I take a short trip either to the 300-foot waterfall of Fall Creek Falls or the Hunter Museum in Chattanooga. There’s also a 16-mile riverwalk in Chattanooga that follows along the southern banks of the Tennessee River.
I have yet to see the whole trail.
Improve Your Mental Health
Taking time for yourself is an essential part of maintaining mental health stability.
Explore your community and the towns closest to you. Find the hidden gems in the area and then go and recharge your batteries.
When we think of vacation, we often think we have to go far or to some place exotic, but even mini vacations can refresh your soul. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or travel for hours to have a great vacation.
Sometimes, the best vacations are right in your own backyard.
Pull Out Your Journal
Think deeper about ways to relax with these writing prompts.
Journal Prompt: What are your favorite ways to relax close to home? When was the last time you did something for you? Get out your calendar and schedule a mini vacation in the next seven days.
Creative Writing Prompt: For the past 20 years, your character’s entire life revolved around their career. Now, a sudden shakeup ended their employment. Standing on a beach at sunset, your character opens the story by saying, “Had I known what would happen, I would’ve come here 20 years ago.”
Until next time, keep fighting.
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