How To Make The Most Of This Mandatory Staycation

Cancelled your annual leave?

So, all of a sudden, we’re home. A lot. Annual leave is off the table, and whether you find yourself working from home or just, well, home, it’s hard to work out exactly what to do with all these cancelled plans and free days.

As our Instagram feeds are filled with calls to get creative, to learn a new language and to maybe even try some work-outs at home, sometimes we just want to, well, do nothing. Like we’re on holiday. Or, in this case: a staycation.

In ancient Rome, after all, leisure was an art to be mastered. So, here’s some suggests to make the most of our mandatory staycation…

Read
A whole book. If you’re on the hunt for recommendations, check out what our friend Mr Turner is reading. Or, use this time to read the coffee table books you've been relying on for decoration all these years.

@belenhostalet

Cook something that takes ages
There’s something ultra indulgent about doing a six-hour ragu or something that is equally as time consuming. On our hit list? Anything @bonappetitmag suggests, same same with @healthy_ish and, of course, @jamieoliver too. Also as enjoyable: trawling the net for might-do recipes, or sitting down to spend the afternoon with a stack of cookbooks and a full sheet of post-its. Turn up the tunes and get cooking (... or reading).

Watch your favourite series
… All at once. No guilt needed. Here’s some inspo for you.

DIY Resort
Spa day! Run a bath and add loads of bubbles. Google and try homemade face masks and don’t forget the cucumbers.

Get creative
It might have been to write a short story, to finally make that vision board you’ve been meaning to get to or spend the whole afternoon just drawing. If you need a little more structure, why not find yourself a copy of The Artist's Way? It's a great read, sure, but it also suggests you do daily pages - get up each morning a little earlier and (hand)write anything that comes to mind for a certain about of time. Perfect for anyone who wants to write but didn't know where to start. Get those creative juices flowing.

Make new soundtrack
Consider it your holiday playlist. Here’s one we’ve already started for you.

DIY film festival
Curate however you like. Go by director, or actor. Need suggests? Why not start with Reese Witherspoon (we did … And we’re still going). Also on our (in review, eclectic) list? Al Pacino, Sandra Bullock, Jen Aniston, Wes Anderson.