This Mental Health Counselor Says Staycations are Beneficial to Your Health

Is a staycation as beneficial as a vacation?

There’s a reason we crave travel. New places, new faces, unfamiliar sounds— they all disrupt our autopilot and invite us back into the moment. Whether you’re hiking in the mountains, exploring a new city, or lying on a beach with your phone blissfully off, “getting away” can offer a kind of healing that talk therapy alone can’t always provide.

In what ways is travel helpful to mental health?

It calms our nervous systems, by stepping away from chronic stress. Boosts our mood, thanks to increased exposure to sunlight and novelty. [We] see things differently by giving our minds space to breathe. And we reconnect with joy, something that’s easy to forget in the grind of daily life.

But let’s be honest, travel isn’t always doable. For many, it’s financially out of reach, or just adds a different kind of stress. That’s where the underrated magic of a staycation comes in.

Staying home—or close to it—can be just as nourishing, without the logistical headache of airports, itineraries, or packing for unpredictable weather. The beauty of a staycation is that it invites simplicity and presence. No travel stress. No jet lag. Just you, slowing down on purpose. What makes it restorative is the intention behind it. Think of it like this: The goal isn’t to “do nothing.” It’s to do things that make you feel alive and grounded again.

So how can we experience the benefits of traveling without actually going on a vacation?

 You don’t have to climb Machu Picchu to feel wonder. In fact, awe is everywhere, and it’s one of the most powerful emotional resets we can access. Take a drive to a scenic overlook. Visit a museum you’ve never explored. Try kayaking on a nearby lake or lie on a picnic blanket at night and stargaze. Awe helps us feel small in a way that’s comforting—like the world is bigger than our worries, and somehow, that makes them easier to carry.  

Bottom line: you need a break (really). Whether it’s a getaway or a stay-close, giving yourself space to pause, breathe, and be a little less “on” is one of the kindest things you can do for your mental health. And you don’t need anyone’s permission to do it. The most important part isn’t the destination, it’s the intention behind the pause. So, this year, block that time off, make it a priority, and protect it like you would any other important appointment. Because the truth is, rest is the foundation of our wellness.

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