5 Ways to Pamper Yourself Without Going on Vacation

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Worried you can’t afford to travel this year? Regardless of your career status, every worker needs some off time for self-care. Explore these 5 ways to pamper yourself without going on vacation.

It’s important to recharge your batteries, release stress, give your brain and body a rest and just plain let loose and have fun!

Last year I was able to take an epic vacation to Botswana, Zambia and South Africa.

But when you’re in the first few years of growing your freelance business, it might be hard to spend big money on travelling to exotic international destinations.

However, finding time for some rest and relaxation is still imperative. Perhaps even more so now than when you were working full-time at an office job.

Think about it! Unlike your office job where you’d walk in at 9am, do a few tasks for the day, then leave by 5pm, running a freelance business means you’re probably working more hours, not less.

You’re also jugging every aspect of your business including your clients, marketing, admin and HR. If you’re not working on your business, then you’re definitely working in your business. Amirite?

But regardless of your career status, every worker needs some off time for self-care and pampering.

It’s important to recharge your batteries, release stress, give your brain and body a rest and just plain let loose and have fun!

This year, I’ll probably have to contend with a quite staycation.

But to be honest—I don’t see this as a complete loss. With that in mind, I wanted to explore 5 ways to pamper yourself without going on vacation.

1. Weekend stay at the Thompson Hotel

Located in King West Village, the Thompson Hotel is one of the most luxe boutique hotels. Thompson Toronto boasts a rooftop lounge where you can see all of downtown Toronto and a 40-foot infinity swimming pool.

Food and drink offerings include a contemporary classic diner, a French café, an ultra-chic underground nightclub and a Rooftop Lounge retreat with poolside cabanas and cocktails. I cannot wait to make my reservation.

2. Mani/pedi at Upper Village Spa

Experienced estheticians will help you relax and be transported for an hour, or a whole spa day. Enjoy a luxurious and therapeutic treatment for the hands and nails. Upper Village Spa provides the perfect oasis to pamper yourself without going on vacation.

3. Dinner at the Art Gallery

You might think that the Art Gallery of Ontario only has world-class art exhibits. But then you’d only be seeing half the picture.

The Art Gallery has several dinning experiences including FRANK, their award-winning restaurant. Chefs create seasonal flavours featuring local fare and quality fresh ingredients including weekly prix fixe menus that are available for lunch and dinner and are themed around the current exhibitions to complete the gallery experience.

4. Ferry ride around the Islands

This is the perfect way to wind down a relaxing weekend. We don’t have Caribbean heat, sun or islands, but that doesn’t mean Toronto city dwellers can’t enjoy a boat ride around the Toronto Islands.

Once the weather warms up, it’s incredibly easy to head down to the ferries for a boat ride. The views of the city skyline from the water make it worth the trip.

5. Drinks at Her Majesty’s Pleasure

The perfect nightcap to a pamper-filled day, week or weekend. This chic and elegantly designed beauty and cocktail bar offers charming bartenders that serve creative cocktails, champagne and sweets. Bottoms up!

With all these amazing activities available at home—not travelling out of the country for vacation doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy wonderful cuisine, relaxing indulgences, breathtaking sights and romantic evenings.

How Will Pamper Yourself Without Going on Vacation?

Getting some pamper time is not just about being self-indulgent. There are incredible health benefits to allowing yourself some time off.

Studies have shown the cardiovascular-health benefits of taking time off. Pamper time can also decrease depression, decrease stress and improve productivity.

In addition to the health and productivity benefits that taking time off provides, it also reminds you of why you became a freelancer in the first place—to be free to enjoy your life.