22/04/2025

LYFE TUESDAY | APR 22, 2025

22

Micro-getaways for stressed parents

o Tiny escapes become new form of self-care

B EING a parent today comes with an invisible, constant hum of noise, such as managing work, home, childcare and everything in between. And while the idea of a relaxing, week-long holiday sounds ideal, for many parents, it simply is not feasible. Between school runs, toddler moods, childcare duties or financial commitments, traditional vacations have quietly taken a backseat. But, that does not mean parents are not carving out time for themselves. In fact, a new lifestyle trend is emerging among exhausted mums and dads, known as micro-getaways. These tiny escapes, sometimes as short as a few hours or a night away, are becoming an increasingly popular way for parents to rest, recharge and return to their families feeling just a little more human. New way to rest Unlike regular holidays that require extensive planning or saving up leave days, micro-getaways work because they fit into everyday life. It could be a solo staycation in the city, short drive to a nature retreat or even a luxurious afternoon spent at a spa or cafe with zero interruptions. For many parents, these short breaks offer something they rarely get at home – uninterrupted quiet time and a chance to focus on themselves without worrying about schedules or small hands pulling at them. There is also the growing understanding Ű BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN

Micro-getaways give parents a short break from daily stress. – ALL PICS FROM FREEPIK

Short trips boost energy and improve mood.

movement among parents. There is less guilt now around taking time away from family for personal well-being. In fact, many parenting coaches and wellness experts encourage short breaks as part of managing burnout and maintaining healthy relationships. It is no longer about “escaping” from your kids, but instead it is about returning to them calmer, happier and more present. Rise of parenting shift For many couples, micro-getaways work best with something called the “parenting shift”. It is a lifestyle approach, in which each parent takes turns getting solo time while the other stays home with the kids. This way, both parents get their breaks without needing external childcare. It creates balance without compromising family routines. In dual-working parent households or even in single-parent homes,

greenery, away from the constant noise of urban parenting. Closer to home, lifestyle platforms offer curated spa days, cafe-hopping experiences or even hotel pool access without the need for overnight stays, all ideal for busy parents craving a quick recharge. micro-getaways particularly appealing is their ability to offer mental clarity without the stress of logistics. Unlike full-blown holidays that can sometimes feel like more work for parents, such as planning, packing, managing kids’ moods, a micro-getaway is all about simplicity. This new approach to rest is also tied to the growing wellness Recharging mentally What makes

that rest does not need to come in big, expensive packages. Instead, the new form of self-care is about creating small, intentional pauses within a busy life, moments that are just for you, even if they are short. Rise of daycations and nearby escapes Hotels and resorts across Malaysia have caught on to this growing need for micro-getaways. In places such as Kuala Lumpur, many city hotels now offer day-use rooms or half-day spa packages specifically designed for guests looking for a quick reset rather than an overnight stay. Luxury hotels are popular choices for solo-stay parents seeking stylish comfort close to home. For just one night, parents can enjoy the rare luxury of sleeping in, ordering room service, watching television undisturbed or even soaking in a bath without rushing. Even nature retreats closer to the city have become favourite options for overnight

micro-getaways might look like booking a few hours at a co-working cafe with no kids in sight or simply scheduling a massage during school hours. Micro-getaways are new luxury Ultimately, micro-getaways reflect a wider lifestyle shift among modern parents. Luxury today is not about five-star holidays or faraway resorts. It is about time and space, even if that is just a few hours in a nearby hotel or a quiet brunch alone. Self-care does not have to look like grand gestures. Sometimes, all it takes is a little distance, a few

kilometres from home or your phone, to feel like yourself again. For parents

running on empty, micro-getaways are not just indulgent but essential.

micro-getaways surrounded by

Parents come back feeling calm and ready to handle responsibilities.