The Good News for a Change…

With the doom and gloom merchants predicting the worst, it’s no wonder we are all feeling a bit stressed at the moment. Pressures of work and the global economic crisis weigh down heavily on us all, and every time we turn on the TV or open the paper, it’s more of the same old story - shrinking budgets, economic melt down, credit crunch crisis…

So, what can we do to relieve the pressures and how can we get away from it all especially if we are strapped for cash and simply can’t wait for our two weeks annual holiday in the sun?

A local mini break may be the answer. It’s a growing, new trend and a wonderful way to recoup and revitalise. There are also some amazing deals around at the moment, especially if you stay close to home.

The rules for a stress free mini break are:

1. Don’t travel more than an hour from home. In fact the less travelling time, the better.
2. Don’t over pack - an overnight bag will do.
3. Don’t worry about leaving the dog or cat. If you’re staying locally, you can even pop home to feed or walk them yourselves.
4. Do drive or take a coach / train - just don’t fly. Hanging around for hours at an airport having got up at the crack of dawn is a ‘no go’ for stress levels on a mini break.
5. Do stay one, two or three nights as that’s the perfect mini break duration. Anything longer will require considerably more organising. Keep it short and hassle free.
6. Do shop around for a good deal. It doesn’t have to cost a lot as there are some amazing deals to be had – just look at some of the bargains on this page!

The Times newspaper states that up to 1.7 million Britons take time off work to recover from stress induced complaints each year. Many of us do not even take our full holiday entitlement.

But it’s important to remember that we all need stress free breaks for our health, and research has shown that men who don’t take a holiday are more likely to die from a heart attack.

Also every couple knows the importance of dedicating time to ‘personal relationships’ but it is our loved ones who are often the first to suffer during stressful times. Occasional getaways may be just what the doctor ordered to inject some much needed romance and quality time together with your partner!

The important thing is just getting away and booking into a local B&B, a country pub, or even (if you’ve got the cash) a smart hotel to indulge yourselves for a few days. It will do you the world of good and you may be surprised by how inexpensive it is. Sunday nights especially can be really good value for money. For as little as £30 - £50 a night you could book into a comfy B&B in a quaint village, close to some charming village pubs with some nice weekend walks thrown in for free!

Or perhaps a weekend at a spa is more your thing? A little pampering will leave you refreshed, invigorated and raring to go. Many couples even drive straight to work on Monday morning. Could there be a better start to a week?

We really do have so many beautiful locations right here on our doorstep and an amazing array of venues to explore and stay in with prices to suit all pockets. So, why don’t you consider just nipping down the road, to enjoy a stress free and relaxing couple of days? Just a few days away from home will invigorate you, and also help you cope with the pressures of your working day.

Don’t feel guilty about not doing all those weekend household chores and tasks you mentally set for yourself every weekend. Get away for a few days, close to home and recharge your batteries. Discover the delights of Leamington Spa, Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, Birmingham or that little country pub that offers Bed and Breakfast. Leave all your chores behind and be wined, dined and then climb into bed (no driving home late at night). It will do you and your partner the world of good.

Just remember the few basic rules: keep it simple, no more than an hour from home, pack lightly, no more than three nights away, negotiate a ‘good’ price and most importantly… relax.