Has corona cancelled your trip abroad? Nothing a good old staycation can’t fix! These days, it can feel like we don’t have much of a choice, but there’s no reason not to make your time memorable! Why not make the most of your time at home with some deliberate “self-service”? Time in solitude allows you to reboot, refresh, and reset, improving concentration and providing a great opportunity for self-discovery! The trouble is, where to start?! When it comes to re-imagining your space, we know creativity may not always spark. Take care of yourself from the inside out with this trusty list of things to do at home on your time off.
Start clean
The best way to get a staycation rolling is by setting the scene. Since you’ll be spending your hard-earned time here, make your space as comfortable as possible and reflective of how you want to feel. Head to the shop to find a nice-smelling candle, a couple of fresh plants and maybe even some new cushion covers. After all, a clean space will bring you to your happy place!
Eat clean
Start your day off with something fresh and healthy to set the tone for your time at home. You’ve heard it before, we’ll say it again: you are what you eat! Treat your body to something good, and high in wholesome, good-for-you nutrients. These can be found in recipes like a frittata, fruit salad or even a smoothie bowl! If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. This Tropical Green Protein Smoothie will definitely take you on a flavour flight, getting the vibe right for a relaxing trip to sofa-island.
Find the light
Whether in a chair or hammock, find the spot with the most natural light in and around your home to get into some sun worshipping. But did you know that direct exposure to sunlight for a few minutes has been linked to improved sleep and vitality? Be sure to keep your skin safe by wearing sunscreen and practicing other sun safety habits while spending time outdoors.
Experience a Canadian treasure
Another quarantine trend? Taking your museum visits online. Lucky for us (and you), there are so many Canadian artifacts available for your viewing! Take a (virtual) stroll through any of the following for an afternoon full of heritage and discovery.
DIY facials/at home spa day
Ready to luxuriate? DIY masks are so much easier than they seem. We’ve got a few you can use to help stop the skin strain.
Need: Skin Tightening
Did you know that egg whites have astringent properties that are rich in protein and albumin, key proponents on helping to tone and tighten skin? The lemon juice helps loosen blackheads, freeing your skin from impurities, and giving your face a fresh step forward!
- 1 egg white, whisked until frothy
- ½ lemon, juiced
Whisk the above together and apply with a brush. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Peel off for tightened skin! Rinse face and towel dry.
Need: Moisture
Loaded with healthy fats, vitamins and antioxidants, avocado is the master of moisture. Throw in anti-aging yogurt and complexion-boosting honey, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a dewy day.
- 1 avocado, skinned and mashed
- 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Pulse all together and add a thick layer to clean skin. Leave on for 20 minutes. Wipe clean and rinse skin.
Need: Relieving Dry Skin
Exfoliating is a great way to get rid of dry, dull, dead skin. In this mask’s recipe, every ingredient has a key role: sugar for scrubbing, lemon for healing and olive oil for moisture. Together they make for your new favourite face scrub.
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix ingredients together and gently scrub wet face with mixture. Rinse with lukewarm water and towel dry.
Cook something new
Quarantine cooking has sent many of us down the bead-baking route, but if you’re looking to up your culinary game, we’ve got a few options that will help you earn your chops. Looking for a vegan option? Give these delicious, indulgent, but healthy sweet chili ‘wings’ a try!
Looking for a little added protein? Give these Swiss chard wraps a go. High in magnesium and vitamins K, A and C, they’ll quickly become a lunch time go-to.
You’ll need:
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil, for potatoes
- 4 Swiss chard leaves, stemless
- 1 lime, zest and juice
- 2 small chicken breasts, chopped
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil, for chicken
- ¼ teaspoon of paprika
- ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 cup of chickpeas
- ½ medium avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon of tahini
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
Boil sweet potatoes for 15 minutes. Remove from water and toss with paprika, olive oil, salt and pepper. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Set aside.
Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Toss in olive oil. Place onto baking sheet with sweet potatoes.
Roast for 30 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are soft and chicken is cooked all the way through with juices running clear. Let cool slightly, then debone chicken, slicing meat thinly.
In a large skillet, bring 3 inches of salted water to a boil
Blanch Swiss chard: Submerge one leaf at a time in boiling water for 13 seconds (or until bright green), then in a bowl of iced water for 1 minute. Towel dry immediately.
Mash chickpeas and avocado together, add tahini and lime juice and mix.
Lay out blanched chard and spread a quarter of mixture down the centre, topping with roasted chicken and sweet potato. Repeat with remaining 4 leaves. Roll to your delight.
Enjoy!
