No one wants to feel tired, lethargic or sick while on vacation, yet so much of our behaviour while travelling is counterproductive to how we want to feel. Paying attention to these 6 hacks may just have you enjoying your vacation…and life, that much more.
- Routines: Your body and mind needs routine to stay healthy. Now is the time to ensure you get 8 hours sleep – even if you’re getting up later and staying up later. Don’t try to “burn the candle at both ends” or you will come home exhausted. Once you get up, ease into your day and establish your “vacation routine”.
- Controlling your environment: Upon arrival at your hotel, spend a little time unpacking and setting up your “home away from home”. After years on the road, I set up my closet, bedside table, drawers, and bathroom toiletries in the same way. Things are easier to find, and it’s quicker to get dressed, out the door and having fun!
- Get physical: Lying on a beach for a week may be your idea of a dream, but it wreaks havoc on your body. Make time for swimming, walking, cycling or have fun trying something new … ever kayaked or zip lined? Whatever you choose, make sure you get some physical activity each day. No more excuses. Pack those running shoes and take advantage of “free” gym memberships at some of the resort and cruise line’s ultimate fitness centres. You will feel better physically and emotionally.
- Be still: Deep breathing, centreing, meditation, whatever you want to call it, take time each day to just be still. Stop looking through the lens and just sit, absorbing the beauty in front of you and within you. When do we have the luxury of time to look inside ourselves without daily distractions? You’ll be surprised at what you discover.
- Dining out: Yes, it’s great to have someone else cooking and cleaning up after each meal but let’s face it, daily restaurant eating can be hard on the body. We often make poorer, less healthy choices or feel we need to eat everything because we paid for it. I’m not saying this is the time to start dieting, but coming back with an extra 10 pounds is depressing. Do treat yourself, this is your vacation after all, but smaller portions will have you feeling better. My trick is, if it’s not a 10, don’t eat it.
- Reconnecting with self and others: Vacations are a golden opportunity to reconnect with those you are travelling with, be it partner, children, family or friends. Even solo travellers can take the time to truly connect to people they meet while travelling. Put down the phones, tablets and Gameboys and REALLY get to know the person sitting next to you. Listen, have conversations, and share. It’s now or never.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to bring these hacks home and into your daily life.