Can’t wait for the December holidays? Let’s be real, 2018 has been tough!

It’s been pedal to the metal 24/7 and between work, family and attempting to have a social life, we all deserve a little R+R, right? Thing is, how is this even possible when you already don’t have enough money for your regular responsibilities?

South Africans are some of the hardest workers in the world. In fact, the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) has ranked us third on the list! And, let’s face it, the 21 consecutive days of paid annual leave that most of us are entitled to is, well, very little.

So, making the most of it, even in these tough economic times is important to enable us to recharge and refuel before a very exciting 2019.

Too much of the holiday season is put on plastic which means even more restricted budgets in 2019. It’s easy to overextend yourself into a debt trap during this period if you’re not prudent. But, vacation is a mindset y’all! If you play it right, a half day spent in your backyard with a pile of magazines can be just as restorative as a week in Spain.

If you do decide to take a “staycation” just make sure that you relax to bring your stress levels down to normal-crazy and make your budget happy at the same time.

There are a lot of little stress-busters that could help you to relax this holiday season if you’re a little short on cash. The key is to find what works for you.

We have a few ideas:

“Local is lekker.” Get the kids involved and work out an activity plan. Take an open bus tour, discover new sights and enjoy a picnic in an unusual spot.

Check out local events such as music festivals, concerts and sporting events in your area.

Have game nights and keep score.

Take some time to be in the moment. Brew your own cuppa. Enjoy your own home-made brew while watching the sun rise. Smell the wonderful aroma and allow it to perk you up while saving money on coffee shops.

Spend time with family and friends.

Take walks. Studies show that walking for 30 minutes will help to reduce stress, boost mood and increase sleep quality.

Get wet. Get out the water balloons for backyard fun or hit the pool.

Bake Christmas cookies as gifts for family and friends.

Soak up the sun. Vitamin D relaxes blood vessels and enhances circulation. Remember the sunscreen!

Reread your favourite book. Get lost for an hour or two into another world.

Listen to music. Make a playlist of your favourite tunes and dance like nobody’s watching.

Pamper yourself. Soak in a warm bath at the end of the day. Add bath salts, bubbles or fragrant oils. Light candles and have a glass of wine – you’ll feel refreshed and renewed afterwards.

Start a vegetable garden.

Do that thing you’ve been putting off. How cool will it be if you can say: “I started my blog!”

Cuddle and make love to your honey!

Staycations are more popular than ever and can be just as much fun and memorable, without breaking the bank!

Source:  www.moneycrashers.com, www.privateproperty.co.za, www.sanlam.co.za, travel.allwomenstalk.com, www.upromise.com, www.businessinsider.com, www.forbes.com, www.yesandyes.org, www.themuse.com, www.psychologytoday.com, www.self.com, www.1.cbn.com, stats.oecd.org, businesstech.co.za, www.lifeoptimizer.org, greatest.com, www.lonelyplanet.com, www.independenttraveller.com, psychcentral.com, www.fox23.com, www.reativecultivate.com, www.all4women.co.za, money.usnews.com, www.thedailymind.co.za, transformationmassage.com, sheknows.com, www.womanshealthmag.com