We touched on this topic back in BC (before-covid times), way before we could have ever anticipated the need for the momcation of all momcations! And if you happened to miss it – TL;DR – here’s the short and sweet of it…
MOMCATION
Noun. [mom-kay-shun]
- A short vacation away from motherhood.
See also: staycation of 2022, burnout solutions.
A momcation is essential to both the well-being of you as well as helping your family become a little less reliant on all you do for them, and hopefully a lot more appreciative, too!
In fact, a study in the National Library of Medicine noted that women who took vacations at least twice a year saw tangible and real benefits. Overall, they were “less likely to become tense, depressed, or tired.” An added bonus… they experienced more satisfaction with their marriages.
So, what are some ways to actually take a momcation?
1. Send your family somewhere for the weekend and relish in your humble abode
Spending some time alone away from anyone and everyone without actually having to go anywhere might just sound magical. And, it might be the best way to get the rest of your gang on board, too. After all, they might not love your sudden announcement that mommy gets a vacation while everyone else gets to stay home. This scenario puts you in the driver’s seat so to speak and has them so busy planning their own adventure, they won’t even have time to think about what you’ll be doing!
Or not doing…
With your at-home freedom at your fingertips, it may seem tempting to dive into those “rainy day” projects, but please refrain from doing anything except feeding your soul with silence and self-care. And maybe, streaming all your favorite shows you’re massively behind on.
You might also consider meeting up with a local friend and staying out past your proverbial curfew of mom-life. Or, turning in early one night and sleeping in the next day until… whenever you feel like it! Don’t be afraid to channel those days of low responsibility, and just take it all in.
However, if you still find it hard to completely unplug at home, then skip to…
2. Head to a retreat just a short drive from home.
This can be an organized group retreat or just a fancy way of taking a weekend to yourself. Check in to a hotel or snag a room at an Airbnb. If you’re by the coast or in the mountains, take time to really get outside and take in what nature has to offer so you can head back home refreshed and recharged. Maybe a hike followed by a massage is in the cards, or just some quiet time journaling with a view.
You may want to pack some favorites from home to help you truly appreciate your time away. Bring your favorite book or a hobby project you never have time to work on. Maybe join a networking meetup to fill your social cup with some outside perspectives.
Introverts delight in this time away but if you’re craving more familiar human contact and perhaps needing to stick to more of a budget, then…
3. Meet a friend halfway.
This is a great option to save some benjamins AND reconnect with a friend(s) you may have not been able to see over the past couple of years outside of your virtual screen.
Driving, or even flying, to meet a friend at a mutual halfway point can actually be cost-efficient if you consider your shared accommodations as well as most of the entertainment being just catching up!
Maybe they’re in a similar close-to-burn-out situation and your call to pull them away is just what they needed, too. Knowing you’re with someone familiar can also make your family feel more at ease when you let them know you’re taking a momcation.
No matter what your budget or schedule, figuring out a way to fit this necessary “break” into your schedule is truly what the doctor ordered. So take action today and start planning your own momcation, stat! Message a friend, talk to your spouse, pick a date, and start creating your own vision of what your perfect momcation will look like.
Who knows what you might be able to conquer once you’ve recharged from your momcation!
