Why Self-Care Getaways Are Critical for Mental Health (and How to Plan One)

You’ve probably heard people talking about going on “self-care getaways” or “reset trips.” These types of travel are becoming more popular by the day because they have proven to provide a plethora of mental health benefits, such as lower stress, less anxiety, alleviated depression and increased satisfaction.
Getting away from the noise of everyday life can also reset your mind, reinforce a healthy perspective and help you learn about yourself on a deeper level. Moreover, self-care trips are known to make people more creative and productive.
In other words, you can take a self-care getaway and come back a better version of yourself. Here are some tips for planning one:
Determine Your Destination
Your first step will be to decide whether to leave town or stay in your current city for your self-care getaway. There are many perks to taking a staycation. Not only does it involve much less planning, but you can also get back into the flow of things quickly once your vacation is over.
However, even if you choose to stay at home, you will need to plan activities, unplug from technology and take other measures to foster your mental health.
That said, getting out of town can provide you with a better opportunity to step away from your everyday responsibilities. Take time to research potential destinations for your getaway, such as:
- Palm Springs, Calif.
- Park City, Utah
- Miami, Fla.
- Asheville, N.C.
- Burlington, Vt.
When researching destinations, be sure to consider factors like scenery, spas, yoga studios, healthy food options, outdoor activities and so forth. You want your trip to be relaxing, with a bit of fun thrown into the mix.
Research Accommodations
Whether staying in town or traveling to a destination, you will want to arrange accommodations. Vacation rentals work better for self-care getaways because they provide more privacy, space and other perks.
Most rentals include a full kitchen, making it easy to cook nutritious meals without spending money on dining out. Look online to quickly find Scottsdale vacation homes that include reliable Wi-Fi, professional cleaning, 24/7 local support and many other features.

Use All Your Vacation Days
If you are like many other people in the workforce these days, you tend to save up your vacation days and never use them. Get out of that habit by telling your boss you are skipping town! Use every vacation day available to you, and don’t feel bad about taking a two-week trip out of the country, if that is an option.
Plan Weekend Self-Care Getaways
Even if you don’t have any PTO available, going away for a weekend can make a world of difference for your mental health. Just a couple of days away from the hustle and bustle can significantly reduce your stress, boost your creativity and recharge your abilities to tackle your everyday obligations once you return. Plan a causal itinerary that will give you structure without overwhelming you.
Unplug (No, Really)
When you’re on your self-care getaway, be intentional about turning off your electronic devices and unplugging from work responsibilities. Make it clear to your boss that you will have limited communication, and practice self-discipline by avoiding social media, news and other technological stimulation.
You will be shocked by how much stress it relieves and the clarity it provides.
Pack Well
Finally, be sure to pack for your trip so that it’s as convenient as possible. Think of anything you will do while away, and include all the essential items in your luggage. You don’t want to overpack, but you do want to bring along things like convertible clothing, hygiene products, grooming tools, the appropriate shoes and skin products.
If you wonder if self-care getaways are all they’re cracked up to be, they are. Whether you take a couple of days or a couple of weeks to clear your mind, taking a relaxing trip will leave you a better version of yourself. Not only will you perform better in every aspect of your life, but you will also be motivated to maintain your overall health and well-being.