It’s fun to dream of vacations on warm, distant shores, but the reality for most is that these vacations are too expensive. You still deserve time off to recuperate from workplace stress, even if you’re unable to “get away.”

In fact, a staycation — taking time off, but staying at home — is arguably more relaxing and restorative than traveling. You do not have to schedule transportation, pack, spend time in crowded airports, or deal with the frustration of delayed flights. Here are our tips for making the most of your precious downtime.

Rest, Relaxation, Pajamas: How to Plan a Summer Staycation

1. Complete Your ‘To Do’ List

The key to a successful staycation is to take steps to ensure that you will use this time to relax, not catch up on chores. Pile of dishes in your sink? Dirty laundry? Lawn need mowing? Clean your home in advance and take care of any other nagging items. You should be resting, not powering through a task list a mile long! Imagine that you are leaving for a vacation and get everything out of the way so you can relax.

2. Unplug and Power Down

No email for you! Whether you’re on a staycation or a vacation, power down and unplug all of your devices. At the bare minimum, set specific times each day when you’re allowed to glance at your phone or return calls. Save work email for work. This is your time to focus on you.

3. Plan Your Activities in Advance

To prevent yourself from slipping into old habits, plan out each day of your staycation. Are there days when you’ll be mostly at home? What are you going to watch on Netflix? What book are you going to read? Or are you going to get out and about? Museum visits, hiking trails, a yoga class? Pretend you’re a travel agent and create an itinerary for yourself. This will make your staycation feel “official” and keep you from using this time to catch up on work.

Shorty Robe from Boxer craft

4. Dress for the Occasion

No staycation is complete without the appropriate loungewear: pajamas, bathrobe, slippers — you know the drill. We might be a tad biased, but comfortable clothing is not an option! When you’re relaxing in your home, you need to lounge in spa-like comfort. Your pajamas should be made from soft, cool cotton. Bathrobes should be big, warm, and fluffy. Your slippers should make you feel like you’re walking on pillows. We’re supposed to dress how we want to feel, so dress comfortably.

5. Explore

Just because you’re on a staycation, doesn’t mean you have to stay in your house. Depending on how much time you can take off, plan a few outings. Think about nearby museums, historic sites, art galleries, hiking trails, beaches, or scenic drives. Sometimes we take our own surroundings for granted because they will “always be there.” Get out and explore your immediate world. You might be surprised what you find.

6. Bucket List

A fun idea for a staycation is to do that one thing you’ve been meaning to do. Get back into painting. Read a series of classic novels. Take a cooking class. Meditate. Write. Learn Italian. This is a great time to start a passion project and really devote yourself to it. Having hobbies and learning new skills increases our happiness.You’ll return to work feeling light and energized.

Safari Toile Luxe Pima Cotton Set by The Cat’s Pajamas

7. Simply Rest

This sounds simple, but is often the hardest thing for us to do. Use this time to go to bed early, sleep in late, take naps, and spend plenty of time doing nothing. Take long baths and lounge in your pajamas. Go to a park and soak up some sun. Make sure your brain gets plenty of down time too. We live in a world that encourages us to be stimulated constantly. You’ll feel much better after you take a little break.

For more ideas for rest and relaxation this summer, visit us at thepajamacompany.com/blog