Vacations are supposed to be relaxing when we leave the stress of daily life behind.
But that doesn’t mean you should abandon all your health and fitness habits while you’re away, even if they sometimes feel like sources of stress, too.
Trust me. If you’re working hard to eat well and exercise regularly at home, then you’re not going to do yourself any favors by being lazy and indulgent 24/7 on your break.
It’s just not worth it!
Besides, the more you get into the joys of healthy living, the more pleasure you’ll find in packing your healthy habits and bringing them with you.
Here’s how to do it, while still having plenty of fun, rest and relaxation!
- Move purposefully every day. You don’t necessarily have to go to a gym, but it should be a goal to remain active. Go hiking. Take a walking tour of the sights (in comfortable shoes). Rent bikes. You get the idea.
- Pack resistance bands, a floor mat, and workout shoes for light workouts in your room.
- Research the area to find fitness activities, including gyms and studios, nearby. If you’re staying in a hotel that has a nice facility, awesome! If it doesn’t, ask the concierge for a recommendation. If you’re staying with family or friends, ask one of them to join you.
- Remember to hydrate – whether you’re lounging by the pool or running all over the place. And remember that alcohol dehydrates – one more reason to go easy on the booze.
- Indulge a bit, but within reason. Having a cocktail or two won’t ruin your diet, and neither will a dessert or a “cheat” meal. But don’t fall for the trap that “vacation calories don’t count.” They do!
- Take time to destress. Travel can take a toll on your nerves, whether you’re with family or friends, and whether you’re in an exotic new place or somewhere familiar. So, be sure to make time to be alone and relax – apologies to no one – even if you think you don’t need it.
- Redefine how you ‘reward’ yourself. It’s easy to confuse the idea of “Let’s take it easy” with “Let’s sit around and do nothing but eat and drink all day.” Yes, you totally deserve a vacation. But a real vacation involves maintaining priorities and values, not “anything goes.”
The best vacations are a balance of rest and adventure. There’s no need to return home with a bag full of remorse to go with the souvenirs and photos!
