Disclosure: Amazon Affiliate Program links are included in this article. If you purchase the item, there is no increase in the price. Thank you for supporting Tranquility Moms - we appreciate you!

It’s 22° outside and the kids are throwing couch pillows at each other. I have a choice to make - keep yelling or get creative!

We’ve been cooped up all winter and even longer with the local restrictions during the pandemic. Cabin fever has officially set in!

As I look up at our wall of vacation pictures and see all of our smiling faces under palm trees, I have an idea - we need an Urgent vacation!

The reality of jetting off with the family this weekend is impossible. Yet, I know that vacation resets us - body and mind. Vacation connects us. There is laughter, calmness and lots of joy!

If I think about how much nature therapy helps to heal and calm us, I need an idea to bring that into our family room. NOW!

I have 4 steps you can take to add in some DIY Wellness Travel to your home. Have you heard of wellness travel? I imagine a posh resort on a secluded island with great food and massages on the beach. You take care of yourself and restore yourself completely. That sounds amazing! But unrealistic right now. So, let’s get creative, moms, and have a do-it-yourself version of a beach vacation right in your family room!

Let’s use our imagination and the aspects of a warm, tropical vacation and bring those right into your family room (minus the pounds of sand…I’m always surprised how sand gets EVERYWHERE when we are on vacation!).

Step #1 - Beach heat

The warmth of summer seems so far away. But if we are bringing the Bahamas to us, we need some heat! Turn on your fireplace, turn up the house temperature or just grab that heated blanket to lay down on your family room floor. The kids love the idea of running around the house in their bathing suits in the middle of our freezing Chicago winters (more about our move to Tampa, FL in future posts). So heat it up and have some fun! 

Step #2 - Beach music

Walking around a beach resort, they play great reggae and relaxing tunes over the sound system. That’s what your family room needs next! Ask Alexa to play “ocean sounds” to listen to the crashing waves. Set up your laptop and select a YouTube channel  that plays “ocean sounds with seagulls” or some reggae music to set the tone of the family room beach party!

Step #3 - Beach snacks

With all the pool towels laid out around the room, we’re ready for a beach picnic - minus the seagulls! If we are aiming for wellness travel, select some healthy fruit like pineapples (you can buy canned pineapples if they are out of season near you). You can blend up some smoothies with a fun straw with frozen fruits (try Tropical blend in your freezer section and add Greek yogurt). Sip away on your frozen treat!

Step #4 - Enjoy the laughter

With the kids pretending to sunbathe and the gentle beach waves playing in the background, you can enjoy a moment of rest, mom! Just like on vacation! You deserve time to reset and take in the laughter. Sit back and imagine lying in your beach chair with your journal notebook (have you seen the cute one my daughter and I made on Amazon with a beautiful palm tree on the front for less than $6?!) and jot down what is making you happy right now!

“If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” - Psalms 139:9‭-‬10 NLT

Upcoming book in 2022 by Kathryn Gardner ~ Find Tranquility on Your Family Trip: Rest, Recharge and Connect on Your Family Trip. Plus 100 Christian Family Travel Activities

So glad you are on this journey with me to go from stressed to refreshed! Find your tranquility today! 

Be well and God bless,

Coach Kathy

Kathryn Gardner, mom of 2, police wife, and Therapist specializing in the wellness of moms & Certified Health Coach moved with her family to Tampa, FL to be near the ocean and explore the health benefits of nature. Her passion is helping stressed moms find tranquility! Check out TranquilityMoms.com for the latest blog post and YouTube video. She posts encouraging messages on Instagram and Facebook.

More articles you may like:

• Daily Reset for Mom’s Calmness (in as little as 5 minutes!)
• Just a Quiet Moment for Me in the Minivan
• Walking on Sunshine and Feeling Happy and Healthy
• Get Away to Bring Your Family Back Together