How many times a week do you grumble about how much you need a vacation? My frequency was pretty high—until I discovered that, with a simple mindset shift, I could reap many of the benefits, no travel required.

All you need to do is get in the habit of treating your weekend like a vacation. That means soaking in the present moment, and making sure you’re truly separated from the usual grind in a special way. Research suggests that those who adopt the philosophy are happier and less stressed when they go back to work on Monday than those who have a regular weekend.

Consider these expert tips on how to get started:

• Get creative about making time. If you’re already worried about how you’ll get your chores done, plan on carving out one hour for them on Sunday morning. Or, if you’re busy with kids, take them to a fun museum during the day and then get a babysitter for two hours in the evening.
• Reflect on priorities. What makes a vacation different from a regular weekend for you? Perhaps it’s turning off your email notifications, skipping your workout, or spending time with people you normally don’t get to see.
• And remember: the mindset shift isn’t intended to replace actual vacations. Rather, it’s an effective way to turn two days off from work into a real break, without having to spend more money than usual or take additional time off.

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