Five Things to Do When You Need a Vacation and Can't Take One

Everybody needs a break sometime, right? And given world events, "sometime" feels like "right now" for many of us. Politics aside, winters are long in the Midwest (and other places). It's okay to feel grumpy when the sun's been hiding for days, or when you're simply tired of all the effort it takes to get bundled up before you go outside.

But schedules and budgets being as they are, heading to warmer climes isn't always possible. Here are a few activities I like when a trip to Florida isn't an option.

1. Turn your bathroom into a spa. Find that bath oil somebody gave you two years ago when you were in an obligatory gift exchange, light a candle, and give yourself a nice hot soak in the tub. Pro tip: before you jump in, make yourself a cup of your favorite herbal tea, or ice water (ideally with a piece of cucumber and/or lime and/or mint floating in it). And if you can turn down the lights, even better.

2. Explore a botanical conservatory, if there's one near you. For instance, Chicago's Garfield Park Conservatory is amazing and free and easily accessible by transit (or car, since there's plenty of free parking). Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha is lovely. Fort Wayne's Foellinger Freimann Botanical Conservatory gives you three kinds of gardens including the surprisingly peaceful desert room. All of them provide a wonderful escape from cold and gray winter days.

3. Go for a walk with a friend. Yes, I know, this means going outside. But walking and talking is a nice way to make the best of cold weather. Bonus: exercise!

4. Sleep in one day. This may take some planning, depending on the other demands on your time, but it's worth the effort. If there's somebody else in your household who can help, put in an order the night before for a cup of coffee to be delivered to you in bed.

5. Read a book. You knew this was coming, didn't you? Nothing takes you to a warmer place and time like a good book. For instance, Passing Semis in the Rain. By yours truly. But there are lots of other great warm climate books. John D. MacDonald's The Last One Left, is an oldie but a goodie. If you're more into the Southwest than the beach, try Roadside Attractions by J. Carson Black. Curl up in your favorite comfy chair, and enjoy!