Making Your Home Your Happy Place

By Maureen Bonatch

A photo from one of my bicycle rides

The summer is traditionally the time for vacations and our family has went on a vacation almost every year—except this year. COVID-19 had us cancelling our plans and opting to stay at home. Except that I am subjected to ‘memories’ of my past vacations almost daily on my social media sites, and photos of other people’s vacations as a constant reminder of what I’m missing. I have to admit, it makes me a little jealous.

Many people talk about their ‘happy place’ where they go to escape the everyday, reduce stress, or just to slow down and reflect. Lucky for me, I started to incorporate some of the key elements of my ‘happy place’ into my home and habits over the last few years so I don’t have to travel to find that place.

Your Home

When I returned from our vacation last year I worried that stress would resume once I returned to home. I considered the things that made me feel more at peace on vacation, because it isn’t always the place, and I have the people with me (my family), it’s often examining the little things in the environment.

·      I changed the centerpiece on our dining room table to replicate the one in our vacation place, which was more tropical and simple. Each time I see it my mind goes to our vacation memories and I feel more relaxed.

·      The ‘little niceties’ of vacation make it special for me—thick towels, fancy hand scrubs ,and nice dishes when dining out. I thought, what not do the same at home? I replaced some of our old towels and washcloths with plush ones, put a nice hand scrub in the bathroom, and use our nice dishes each day. This helps to make every day special.

·      Occasionally I go to a spa while on vacation and have a facial or massage. I bought face masks and other special bath soaps to enjoy a little ‘home spa’ time now and then.

Your Habits

The pace on vacation is slower and more relaxed. Sure I can’t replicate having each day to lounge, but I can implement some of the habits.

·      I make time at least a few times a week to sit on the porch in the early morning with my coffee. This fifteen-minute habit replicated from vacation evokes peace for the start of my day instead of feeling rushed.

·      Before a trip, I load up my kindle with new books and make more time to read. Instead of waiting for that trip, I now make an effort to incorporate more reading time into my day, even if it’s a ten minute break with my lunch, or before bedtime. Reading allows me to travel without ever leaving my home.

·      I take an occasional “mental health day” or plan a Staycation to enjoy at home or walking or bicycling in the outdoors. This little break from the daily pace and rush of life can be rejuvenating and refreshing.

Focus on You

Vacation is always a time that I spend as much time ‘living the dream’ of writing full time. We all get busy and sometimes our dreams and favorite hobbies get pushed to the back burner until we have time off to focus on ‘us’. I’ve made an effort to make the time to write more, and focus on me, even if it’s just a short period each day, and I’m happier for it.

 

What Vacation Habits Can You Incorporate Without Leaving Home?

Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter

Be the first to know about Maureen’s book sales and new releases by following her on BookBub, Amazon and/or signing up for her newsletter

So Many Shows and Nowhere to Go by Nancy Gideon

I confess, I was a binger before it was cool . . . before it was a mental health necessity! Ever since Wiseguy debuted in 1987 and NYPD Blue followed in 1993, I’ve been addicted to episodic series television, those shows that carry a plotline out for more than just one installment (sometimes seasons!). Too me, it was like a huge engrossing book played out week by week – with eye candy! The additional weeks in which to develop character and individual plotlines deepened the involvement into that “Just one more chapter . . .” obsession. Soooo, when television began releasing the entire seasons (or series) in one big buffet dinner, I couldn’t resist working my way down the line until too full to hold another bite (or hold my eyes open!).

Retiring at the end of 2019 was my warm up to Shelter in Place. Before then, I’d have to binge on weekends. So, with that entire DAY stretching out before me (after writing time, of course), I’d chew through a series like a bag of BBQ chips (often WITH a bag of BBQ chips!).Here’s some of what’s been on the menu . . .


Now, with my WIP out for Beta reads and snow STILL falling to keep me inside, I’ve become a bit of a maniac, especially with the ability to watch on my 29” Dell All-in-One in my office away from the other two floors of the house. I’m proud (or a bit embarrassed) to say in less than half a week I’ve gone through the first two seasons of The Man in the High Castle and Season 6 of Bosch! I should slow down because . . . now what? What’s next?

Thankful, good ole TV Guide put out their Best 35 TV Shows You Can Binge Watch from Beginning to End! Some of these I’ve already checked off, i.e. Battlestar Galactica during the week after my first knee replacement (though I think some of what I remember might be from the good drugs!) and Luther with Idris Elba in two weeks. I can’t eat just one! The list includes my recommended favs Broadchurch with David Tennant and the marvelous Olivia Coleman who is also in The Crown, Justified and Deadwood with the always drool-worthy Tim Olyphant, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul and Sherlock. Browse the list. I’m sure you’ll find something to make those empty hours disappear.

I’d add Stranger Things, Dexter, A Handmaid’s Tale and Supernatural (my son wanted me to add Psych and X-Files, if you can find them).

Now that my public service announcement is completed, I’m off to the basement to watch Rome on DVD. Where are the chips?

How ‘bout you? What guilty pleasures have you been enjoying?

♚♚♚♚♚

Nancy Gideon on the Web

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads “Nancy Gideon by Moonlight” group

Follow @NancyGideon