Spring When Everyone Else Is on Spring Break: How to Make Space for Yourself Without Leaving NYC

It’s that time of year, especially if you have kids—your feed is full of beach photos, family trips, and “out of office” replies, while you’re still at work, juggling responsibilities, and wondering when your break is coming. When it feels like everyone else is on spring break and you’re not, it’s easy to fall into burnout, comparison, or resentment. This mindset is especially strong when it comes to parenting. It is easy to fall into the ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ trap.

The good news? You don’t need plane tickets or PTO to make space for yourself. You can feel better, calmer, and more grounded right now (with a little effort) —with some intention and a little self-kindness. Here’s how to create your own kind of spring break, even if you’re not going anywhere.

1. Make Micro-Moments Count

When your schedule is packed, tiny windows of time become precious. Whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing before work, stretching while the coffee brews, or listening to calming music on your commute, these micro-moments add up. Use them to shift out of survival mode and into something softer and more present. You don’t need a full day off to feel different—you just need to pause with purpose. If you have kids, consider a family walk or group activity that connects you with nature.

2. Treat Your Body Like It’s on Vacation- Get a Massage

Massage is more than indulgence. Even if your mind is racing through a to-do list, your body doesn’t have to join in. Try booking a single massage session to break the cycle of tension and fatigue. An hour is all it takes. We often tell new therapists that many people are paying for a single hour they do not have to manage, and it is so true. Massage helps downregulate your nervous system, calm your stress response, and reconnect you with your physical self. Think of it as giving your body a vacation—even if your calendar says otherwise. And news flash, it does not have to be pricey. A downtown, ten-minute rub or a nail salon counts; the most important thing is for YOU.

3. Create Boundaries Around “Vacation Energy.”

It can be overwhelming when others are relaxing and you’re not. Give yourself permission to mute or log off for a bit. Labor laws give you lunch and breaks…take them.  Reclaim your attention by curating your environment—turn off notifications, limit social media scrolls, or carve out a quiet space just for you.  If you have a partner and kids, try switching off in shifts. You can be happy for others and still protect your own mental space.

4. Move Gently, With Intention

One of the things that makes vacation relaxing is the natural movement—walking, stretching, exploring. Bring that into your routine with yoga, a slow walk, or even just dancing to your favorite song. Focus on movement that feels good, not productive. It’s not about exercise—it’s about helping your body shift out of tension and into ease. It is about feeling free, not actually being free.

5. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

If you can’t get away right now, build in small pleasures that spark joy and give you a sense of anticipation. Plan a solo date, schedule a short massage, buy yourself something small and meaningful, or set aside time for something you usually skip—like reading or napping. The key isn’t extravagance—it’s intentionality. No money? No problem, this feeling is not commercial. It could be lighting a candle, a single piece of chocolate or stopping to smell the roses.

6. Make Daily Life Feel Like a Break

You don’t have to go far to change how your life feels. Try:

• Eating meals slowly, as if you’re dining out

• Lighting a candle or putting on music during your nightly wind-down

• Walking a different route just to explore

• Starting your day with breathwork or journaling instead of your inbox

• Creating rituals that feel like an exhale

• Getting a massage. 

You Deserve Rest, Too
Just because you’re not on vacation doesn’t mean you don’t need care. Spring break might not be on your calendar this year—but that doesn’t mean you can’t create moments that feel restful, nourishing, and yours. You deserve to feel good, even when life keeps moving.

Hey and if on the off chance massage is for you…we are 100% her for you!!