Unwind Without Unraveling
There are those that stick to the plan despite being on vacation and those that ditch the plan entirely. Try a more balanced approach to avoid either extreme and skip the vacation detox.
Does it have to be one or the other? The answer is no. And I know that there are a lot of you, just like me, that have found that sweet spot - the balance between keeping it together, but also indulging and having fun! I will say the balance didn’t come with out making the mistakes, so in an effort to save you from my same struggles, let me share some of my simple dos and don’ts and hopefully you’ll be able to find your own recipe for vacation balance.
I’ll try to make this as simple as possible… if you prefer shorter bullets, scroll to the short guide.
Asses the trip: What type of vacation is it? Is it a couples thing? Girls trip? Family? You first have to be realistic with the trip you’re taking. The first step to practical planning is accepting where you will be, with whom, and what the vibe of the vacay is. For example, if you’re headed to a destination wedding, planning and expectations will be different than if you were headed to a relaxing girls weekend with your two besties. (or maybe not 😆 ). Likewise, are you heading our for three days or three weeks?
If you have dietary restrictions: Look at the local restaurants before you go. Look for restaurants that can offer you balance. You can even look for local farmers markets - there’s nothing better than stumbling across fresh yummy local goods in a new place. Unless your dietary restrictions are for serious medical conditions, give yourself some space here. The stress of sticking to a diet is definitely not great for your wellness. If you like to moderate what you eat for external purposes, that’s totally understandable, but it’s called vacation for a reason. Give your mind a break. Be spontaneous. Eat for joy. This doesn’t mean go crazy and totally trash your body, it simply means having balance. Letting the restrictions go doesn’t mean and use a little discipline instead.
If you have a serious condition and are trying to heal, it also might mean it’s time to revaluate your options. Maybe the vacation you planned needs to be postponed, modified, or even canceled. Sometimes, not matter how important or how badly we want to be somewhere, our bodies require a different set of needs. The sooner you learn to meet those needs, the sooner you’ll be able to feel like you can be back to your normal routine and enjoy making future plans. In the meantime, your body needs you.
If you are an avid mover: Take a peak and see if there are any classes/studios near by, does your hotel have a gym? Even better, think outside the box. Does your workout need to be at a gym in a class setting?! Why not switch it up?! Discuss what your plans will be like with your travel crew… does scheduled exercise even need to be slotted in? If your vacation consists of lots of walking and site seeing, action, and adventure, this extra bit of planning should move low to the bottom of the list. It’s ok to ditch the gym and take advantage of natural environment. Shake things up a bit and let go of your “workout” mentality. You do enough. Example, when we were in Athens this summer, we walked over 15,000 steps a day. No need to add anymore exercise. That’s enough! Now, if you’re on a work trip or a family vacay that you didn’t get much say in, maybe hitting the gym or a class is a good idea… and not only for your physical wellbeing, but also for your mental wellbeing… family vacations and work trips can require a little bit of space, getting movement in is a great way to achieve both. My all time favorite vacay movement… walking or dancing!!
Snacks for the plane/trip: Do bring yummy healthy snacks for the plane and trip. I also love brining my own tea bags. They don’t take much space and there are so many yummy teas that can support you and your wellness on vacation and all you need is a little hot water. Try not to over do it here. Too many snacks and things can become a headache on vacation. You also want to enjoy local options! What’s the point of travel of not to enjoy new local foods and snacks?!
Stay hydrated: Super easy hack, keep drinking water! We take our reusable water bottles everywhere. They also keep the water nice and cold if I’m in a hot place, which is important to help me keep my body temp nice and cool. (They say heat can flare MS. Hasn’t ever happened to me, but I also always ensure I have a way to cool down when it’s hot). I also like to bring hydration support like LMNT to ensure that I’m staying hydrated… especially when it’s going to be hot… or if you plan on having some cocktails.
Be sure to rest: how often do you come home from a great vacation exhausted. It happens. To avoid the total burnout and difficulty of getting back into the “swing of things” post vacation, be sure to enjoy downtime and do your best to get good sleep. I love having an eye mask when I travel - I enjoy a dark room to sleep. Maybe include a “sleepy time” tea, those are small and easy to pack. There are supplements to take as well, but you’ll need to consult your naturopath or doc for that.
HAVE FUN!!! Joy is the best thing you can do for your wellbeing. DO ENJOY your trip! Try not to sweat the small stuff. Bags get lost, flights get delayed, things happen on vacation, it’s OK. As long as you safe and healthy, there is no obstacle that can steal your joy. When life throws you lemons, make lemonade.
Vacation Wellness Guide: How to Maximize Your Getaway
1. Assess the Trip: Define the Vacation Type Before planning anything, consider the nature of your trip:
Who are you traveling with? Is it a couples retreat, girls' trip, family vacation, or solo adventure?
What's the overall vibe of the vacation? Is it for relaxation, exploration, or adventure?
How long will you be traveling? A weekend getaway requires different planning from an extended vacation.
2. Dietary Considerations: Balance and Flexibility
If you have dietary restrictions:
Research local restaurants that offer balanced options. Explore farmer's markets for fresh, local foods.
Unless your dietary restrictions are medically necessary, allow yourself some flexibility to enjoy local cuisine.
Strive for a balance between indulgence and mindful eating, without stressing over strict diets.
3. Health Conditions: Listen to Your Body
If you have a serious health condition:
Assess whether the trip is compatible with your health needs. Sometimes, it might be best to modify or postpone the vacation.
Prioritize your well-being over FOMO (fear of missing out). Your body's needs come first.
Custom-tailor the trip to accommodate your health condition as much as possible.
4. Physical Activity: Find the Right Balance
Check for local classes or gyms nearby. If the trip involves lots of walking or physical activity, extra workouts might not be necessary.
Adapt your exercise routine to the vacation's demands. Sometimes, a walk or dance can be as beneficial as a structured workout.
5. Plane and Trip Snacks: Pack Wisely
Bring healthy and portable snacks for the plane and trips. Don't overpack; leave room for local delicacies.
Consider bringing your own tea bags - teas can be used for relaxation, digestion, and more!
Balance convenience with trying new local foods.
6. Hydration: Stay Refreshed
Carry a reusable water bottle to ensure you're drinking enough water, especially in warm climates.
Consider hydration support like electrolyte supplements, especially if you're in a hot area or plan to consume alcohol.
7. Rest and Sleep: Recharge Your Energy
Prioritize rest and sleep alongside all your fun!
Create downtime in your itinerary to relax and rejuvenate.
Bring an eye mask and "sleepy time" tea to facilitate quality sleep - or whatever tool works for you.
Consult with a healthcare professional before considering any sleep supplements.
8. Enjoy Every Moment: Embrace Joy
Above all, have fun and embrace the joy of your vacation!
Let go of small setbacks like lost bags or flight delays. Focus on the bigger picture like well-being and safety.
Allow yourself to experience pure joy, be in the moment!
When vacation presents challenges, make the best out of them and shift your focus to creating unforgettable memories.
Remember, a vacation is not just about the destination, but also about the journey within yourself. By assessing your trip, taking care of your body, and embracing the joy of the moment, you can create a vacation that nourishes your well-being and leaves you with cherished memories! … and have the most fun doing it!