For all of our wanderlust-y friends: while it's true that we won't be traveling to any far-off destinations any time soon, we got inspired by this fun piece Fodor's about how to turn your home into your own little vacation spot. Check out their 10 tips here.

Though it may seem bizarre to be thinking about a vacation at home, there’s something to be said for creating a space that’s warm, inviting, and peaceful for you and your loved ones. Since we are currently spending at least 90% of our time indoors at home, that home environment can make a huge difference in our mood, attitude, and physical & mental health.

In addition to blackout curtains, inspiring artwork, and good tunes as the article indicates, here are some other ideas to create a comforting and peaceful space at home:

Plant life & lots of green - bring plants indoors (after all, we spend up to 90% of our time inside!). Plants provide nutrients to humans, and also mental health benefits. Place flowers in your home to brighten the mood.
Natural light - let the light into your space which will improve energy and mood. Open up those blinds, lighten up the curtains, etc., and let the light shine in!
Less clutter - de-cluttering even a small space in your home can bring immediate mental health benefits. Cluttered spaces tend to increase stress and mental unrest. Why not have an environment that is truly relaxing and calming? Pick one room at a time, to keep your de-cluttering goals realistic (channeling Marie Kondo here), and let the catharsis begin!
Smells - our olfactory sense is a huge one when it comes to lowering tension and increasing calm feelings! Find your favorite smelling essential oils, candles, flowers, etc., and crank them up!
Surround yourself with colors that soothe. Sky blue, blush, sage gray, pale yellow, soft green, and lilac or lavender have all been noted as some of the most de-stressing colors to have in your home.
Garden - if you have the means and the space, gardening is one of those activities that can connect you to mother earth and literally make you feel more grounded. Having a garden, whether large or small, in your space, can work wonders for your mental health and sanity.
Outdoor space - even if you aren’t a gardener, you might have an outdoor space that can be set aside as an escape. Whether it’s a deck, a patio, a stoop, or a yard, create a retreat spot for yourself by clearing out the space from clutter, adding some small touches (lights, torches, an outdoor chair or two), and you’ll have set apart a sacred space of sorts.
User-friendly kitchen - since we’re all at home more, and many restaurants are closed, this means most of us are cooking more of our own meals. There are things you can do to make your kitchen friendlier and more inviting. In addition to de-cluttering (see above), emphasizing & increasing the availability of counter and storage space in your kitchen will make a difference. Let in the natural light, add some artwork or soothing colors, and some plant life, and your kitchen can become a haven!
Keep work “at work” - if possible, it can be helpful to have a separate space dedicated to job-related work. This can facilitate that sense of separation between home and work — a reality that is very lacking during this time of necessitated WFH, yet often very helpful in terms of mental health.
Create a separate space for wellness and movement - is there a dedicated space in your home for meditation, stretching, and movement? All it takes is a few square feet! We’ll have more on this in future articles. :)

Wishing you a safe and peaceful week whether you are at home or in the field!