Idea #12: Visit a Korean spa.

There are dozens of top-notch Korean spas throughout the United States, and visiting one feels almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Men and women go into separate bathing areas, where they luxuriate in baths heated to various temperatures, from 56 degrees to a cool down to 107 degrees for serious heat. As in Korea, you are expected to wash yourself first before getting into the water. The main pool has dozens of different jets for massages. Women stand by ready to offer a body scrub to those willing to submit to 40 minutes of serious exfoliation. (And yes, most people are nude, although the modest may wear suits.)

When you tire of the water, you can put on the pajamas they give you when you enter and go into the unisex area, where you can dine on tasty Korean food while lounging in front of 60-inch television screens. Various saunas offer more health benefits: The amethyst and red clay rooms rid the body of toxins while the igloo room tightens pores. To visit is to give yourself an other-worldly kind of day.

Idea #9: Get into legs up the wall pose, immediately.

This position is somewhat magical. It can transform a cranky, tired, achy person into a lovely and relaxed one. In that way, it is not unlike two glasses of wine, although it lacks the accompanying health concerns. While it can be done with little fanfare, a few accoutrements can make it extra special.

The Basic: Identify a flat wall. It can be in your bedroom, kitchen, office, or even office bathroom, which is where I usually find myself so as to avoid strange stares from passersby who may not be familiar with yoga. Sit down next to it and scootch your bum over so it's right next to the wall. Then, lay back and stick your legs up. Exhale.

Intermediate: Repeat the Basic, but find an eye pillow or something that can serve as an eye pillow, such as a shirt sleeve. Cover up those peepers for extra-relaxation.

Olympic level: Repeat the above levels, but bring along a pillow or other type of support. Stick it under your lower back, as shown in the picture. You have now reached the height of bliss. Good luck with the transition back to reality.

Idea #8: Take a bath.

There's nothing quite like climbing into steaming hot water, especially after a day in high heels or sitting at a desk. Your muscles relax and your mind can wander to the soppy magazine in front of you. (Yes, I am recommending reading while bathing, but only if the magazine is sufficiently mindless.) For extra comfort, get yourself a bath pillow and some bath bombs.

My massage therapist recently had an even better suggestion: Have your boyfriend/husband/partner serve as cabana boy for the night. He can most likely be taught to enjoy this role (although there will be some variation in how well the idea goes over). It involves running the bath to the temperature of your liking, lighting candles, and, when you're ready, handing you a well-fluffed towel. Then you can show your appreciation for his services.

Idea #7: Have a "bed" day.

I can't claim credit for this one -- I got it from Kimberly Wilson at Hip Tranquil Chick. As she puts it, one scheduled bed day a month is essential for balance.

To plan your own bed day: Pick a day and make no plans whatsoever. Sleep late, wear your pajamas all day, and spend time reading (or napping, snuggling, watching a movie, etc.). You'll feel as refreshed as if you lolled around in the sand with your toe in the ocean (well, almost).

Bed day also combines well with Idea #1.

Idea #5: Schedule nothing for a week.

When you get ready to take a week's vacation, you purposely clear your schedule. No meetings, no lunches, no doctor's appointments. Not even an evening with friends. Luckily, you can do this even when you're not about to get on a plane. Try planning nothing for a whole week. If someone asks for a meeting, simply tell them that the week is not good for you. (This requires some advance planning, so you may want to choose a week that is in a month's time.)

Then, when you get to your unscheduled week, take advantage of the freedom. Make a date with yourself and your favorite magazine. Or try a new recipe. Or pick another Vacation Day idea to try out. There are no limits.

Idea #4: Wear a Hawaiian shirt.

You might not make it into the fashion pages with this one, but it's impossible not to feel a little bit festive when you are donning a brightly-colored, flowered button-down. In fact, it might lead you straight to Idea #1. If your own closet is bereft of such island-wear, there is another option: Just convince a loved one to dig into his own closet and put one on. As long as the shirt is within view, it will work its magic.