How make a holiday of your staycation

You may not be able to take a trip abroad this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy all the benefits of a holiday at home

YOU CAN’T afford a holiday away from home this year for whatever reason. Welcome aboard the staycation.

This is no reason to feel sorry for yourself. With a little attitude adjustment, it could be one of the most relaxing holidays you’ve ever had. Psychologists Eddie Murphy and Kate Quinlan, both experts in work-related stress, have between them come up with some tips for how to put the vacation into staycation.

-You can't take charge of the economy, but you can be in charge of how you respond. Plan your staycationjust as you would a holiday away.

Make a schedule in advance that includes activities as well as down time. If it’s a walk in the hills on Tuesday, then maybe it’s a massage on Wednesday and having friends around on Thursday.

-If the best thing about a holiday abroad is being out of contact, then tell intrusive friends and relatives you're going away. Disconnect your home phone and make your house screen-free – no emails, no negative news reports, no addictive games, no more annoying mobile phone calls.

- Make a budget. Disappointment about not going away can make you overcompensate and spend nearly as much as you would on a proper holiday, so plan your staycation spending wisely. How much can you afford to spend on day trips? Meals out? Or even on a night or two away on a value hotel deal? This isn't the time to max out the credit card, which is probably maxed out already. A picnic at the beach on a fine day costs very little.

-Move into a different bedroom, if your house has more than one. Pretend it's a hotel.Use your imagination. You might even ask your partner to join you.

- Change your routine. Go to a farmer's market instead of a supermarket. Try a different pub. Borrow a bike and see the world from the two-wheeled perspective. Research the attractions in your area. Be a tourist and go to places nearby you've never visited before.

-What is it you really enjoy when you're on holiday? Sleeping in? Taking a leisurely walk? Enjoying nature? Whatever it is, do it with intention. This is not about hanging around unwashed in your pyjamas all day watching the Living channel or playing with your Wii, though you might plan in advance that having one lazy day is your goal.

- Houseswapwith a friend for a night or two, from city to country or vice versa.

- Clean your house and tidy the gardenbefore your staycation, just as you would before leaving for the airport so that you can relax during your downtime.

-For busy parents, children and holidays away often mean quality time, but you can still have as much fun at home as abroad. Schedule a few activities – the zoo, a visit to the beach, an aquatic centre. Build it up in advance so the kids have something to look forward to. Even a picnic in the park can be an occasion. If Santa Claus was a holiday, then you're Santa. Build up the image in advance, wherever you happen to be going, even if it's only a trip to the local park.

-If holiday means eating out then treat yourselfto an affordable "early bird" meal or good value meal in a restaurant you've never visited before.

If you can’t afford to eat out, then buy steak instead of mince, or fresh fish instead of fish fingers. If your long hours at work mean you can never invite friends for a meal, invite them around for a potluck bring-your-own-booze party. You might even benefit from some invitations in the autumn.

-Parents may want to plan me-timefor themselves away from the children, much as they would when leaving their children in a kids club at a resort. Ask a friend to look after your kids for a morning or afternoon, build this into your schedule and enjoy that solitary walk, massage, or salon visit.

-If your upbeat staycation mood falls, remember that holidays away can be stressful emotionally and financially. By staying at home, you're avoiding trauma. And count the savings.