By Andrea Reay, Executive Director, Discover Burien

Having just completed 3 weeks of travel, some for work, some for pleasure, I can honestly report, there is no place like home. With the time and expense required to plan an extended time away (in my case with two small children), I have decided to never leave again (there are only so many times you can watch the LEGO Movie on the iPad and retain your sanity). Besides, Burien has everything I need to plan a perfect “get away” without ever having to leave town.

The most important part of any “cation” is having time to recharge our batteries, reconnect with loved ones, and relax. According to the Society for Human Resource Management or SHRM a large majority of HR professionals (from 88 percent to 94 percent) think that taking vacation is either "extremely" or "very important" for a variety of factors related to talent management, including morale, wellness, performance, retention, a positive culture and productivity. Unfortunately, a majority of American workers who enjoy the benefit of paid vacation time, or 64%, end the year with unused vacation. Don’t let this summer pass you by without taking some of that well-earned time off and start planning your staycation today.

The important thing is to plan your staycation the same way you would plan your vacation. I recommend that you start with having your home professionally cleaned. If your house is clean you will be able to relax and not be distracted by dusty shelves. There are many licensed and reputable cleaning service companies based right here in Burien, like Aguilera’s Cleaning Service, give them a call (206) 883-3140 and they will get your house in tip top shape. Now that your house is clean, sit down in your chair with a good book and enjoy a cup of tea. Not only does a good cup of tea ease your tension by causing you to pause and slow down for a moment, but some recent research also indicates that green tea contains an amino acid L-Theanine which appears to have a positive mood boosting impact. Phoenix Tea in Burien has over 20 types of green tea to choose from (and more than 100 other teas, including herbals for people who need to relax without caffeine). They are located right in the heart of Olde Burien on 152nd street and offer free tastings so you can be confident that the tea you purchase will not only lift your mood, but also your taste buds. Finally, now that you are relaxed and your mood is sufficiently boosted, really decompress with a visit to one of our local day spas. Enjoy a therapeutic aroma massage as Serenza Salon and Spa, located just off 160th Street in Burien and “relieve tight muscles, improve circulation, and bring your body into a relaxed state of bliss” all for only $40 for 30 minutes. Maintain your staycation glow by closing down your kitchen (it’s so clean now you don’t want to cook in it and get it dirty again anyway). Eat out and explore some of Burien’s best restaurants. Try someplace new and create lasting memories that will last a lifetime. Unsure of where to go? Just visit our website and head to our member directory and find our restaurants/café page. You’ll be sure to find something fun to explore, all without ever having to leave town.

For more information on how to make the most of your staycation, including shopping local, community events, as well as specials and discounts offered by member businesses please visit www.discoverburien.com.