I don't know about you, but some days I'm hanging out for a long, tropical vacation. Or a live-in housekeeper. Or both.

When the stress of trying to do too much, or be too much (superwoman, anyone?), when everyday pressures build to the point where you're about to explode... you know that something's gotta give.

But most of us don't have the luxury (or the dollars) of booking a month-long holiday at a health retreat, or selling up everything and moving to the south of France (bon voyage!).

So what's an everyday, stressed-in-every-way, person to do?

Here are some easy (and cheap) ideas:

1. Plan a 'stay-cation'... this is just like a vacation, except that you stay at home. Choose a long weekend (or take Monday or Friday off and make your own), and get ready to r-e-l-a-x. The important thing is to treat this time as if you're really going away - that means no appointments, errands, or housework (yes!). Stock up on your favourite (and hopefully semi-healthy) foods and snacks, movies, and books, and chill.

2. Act like a tourist... a change is as good as a holiday, right? Put your explorer's hat on and seek out some new/interesting/ relaxing activities or sights near where you live. Check out river cruises, educational tours, theme parks (if adrenaline's your thing), new restaurants and cafes, or other visitor attractions.

3. Set up your own day spa... who doesn't love an opportunity to de-stress and relax? You don't even have to leave the comfort of your own home. Transform one of the rooms into a relaxing retreat in just a few steps:

• declutter - clutter is the enemy of calm
• think comfort - fluffy towels, comfy cushions, plush throws
• set the scene - soft lighting (e.g. candles), chilled tunes, relaxing scents (oil burner, scented candles, or incense)
• prepare your tools - mani/pedi essentials, massage oils (rope in a friend or your partner, or book a mobile masseur), face masks and moisturisers, bubble bath. 

So the next time a one-way ticket to Siberia is sounding good, try one of the above tips and take a mini stress-busting break instead. Your health - and sanity - will thank you.

What are your favourite ways to escape? Share in the comments below (or on my Facebook page).

    Can you believe that 2014 is almost half over?! What began as a fresh, shiny year - a newly-opened journal with blank pages just begging for you to fill them with details of all your amazing adventures - is now looking a little worn around the edges. (Kind of like how many of us feel at times...!)
    This moment of panicked realisation (it's almost June!) is an opportunity to take stock of how your goals for this year are going. Or not.
    What's that you say? You have no defined goals, or the ones you have just aren't workin' for you? Well, there's no better time than the present to decide what you really want out of life - and I don't just mean that you prefer your eggs hard-boiled or your morning latte made on skim, three-quarter strength, and extra hot (oh - sorry, that's me!). 
    I'm talking about what really matters to you, what keeps you awake at night (aside from heartburn!), what you'll regret not doing when your time comes to leave this world for the next.
    Your values.
    Sure, it might be easier to follow the crowd and plan to make it to the top in your chosen career, retire before you're thirty (or forty, or...), and have a house full of shiny things.
    But will the traditional success paradigm really make you happy? 
    As we approach mid-year, take a moment out of your day to reflect on these few questions:
1. What would I miss most about my life if it was gone?
2. What makes me smile?
3. If I knew the world would end tomorrow, what would I regret not having done?
4. What's stopping me from making steps to start (or finish) it now?

    I'd love to read your answers, either in the comments below or on Facebook. 
    
    With some honest assessment and planning (even baby-steps), the second half of your 2014 will be infinitely more rewarding,  intentional, and values-oriented. Go for it!