A Balanced Vacation
Taking a trip this year? We’re all for enjoying ourselves on vacation, but we have to admit; sometimes, we come home feeling like we need a vacation from our vacation, or that we need to start a new diet or workout routine to make up for the heavy eating and lack of activity.
If you’re hoping to come back from your next vacation feeling somewhat fit and refreshed, check out these tips how you can balance your splurges with your well-being goals:
Slow down and savor your food. Doing so is actually pretty important to your health and weight — eating slowly can aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption and help your body recognize its full before you overdo it.But, most importantly, eating slowly and paying attention to your food makes for a better dining experience! Why rush when you could relish every amazing bite of delicious food on your wonderful vacation? So sip, savor, and soak it all in.
Pick your splurges. If you know you’re going to want ice cream in the afternoon, have a light lunch. Or if you want a glass of wine after dinner, skip dessert. Pick the things you want to enjoy most and enjoy them! Just pass up some of the lesser temptations to make up for it.
Try the local harvest. Focus on getting fruits and vegetables in each meal. Your body needs them, and you want to feel great on vacation. If you’re hoping to eat light, ordering extra veggies instead of pasta, potatoes, or other heavy starches is a great way to fill up without weighing yourself down.
Find little ways to keep moving. Long road trip? Stroll around and stretch at every stop, or plan your stops so that you can spend some time exploring. Walk the airport instead of sitting and waiting. Ditch the cab and walk to the restaurant for dinner. Jump in the pool or throw the frisbee around with the kids.
Pick activities that combine fun with exercise. You don’t have to hit the gym to be active! You could rent bikes for a day and cycle to the sights. Go for a long day hike to take in the views. Rent kayaks and spend the day paddling. Park the car and wander through town on foot.
Schedule a day or two with nothing planned! A go-go-go trip can wear you out. Make sure you’ve got some unscheduled time, and use that…well, however you want to when the time comes! Maybe you’ll be craving a workout, or a hike, or shopping, or a lazy morning of sleeping in. Give yourself the gift of flexibility!
Take time to relax. This might be our most important tip. Nap by the pool. Lounge on the beach. Sleep in. Get a massage. Read a book. Use the time to rest and recover.
Relax, mentally. Travel is exciting, and it can be stressful. That stress can negate the positive effects of vacation. Here are a few articles that might help you ward off vacation anxiety:
- Forbes provides a nice list of ways you can prepare at work so that you can leave work stress behind.
- ABC gives some advice for reducing stress when travelling as a family.
- USA Today provides some tips on dealing with travel anxiety/stress in general.
Accept the bumps in the road. Prepare yourself for the fact that things probably won’t go 100% according to plan. You might have to adapt and go with the flow. If you can keep perspective and a positive, “it’s-going-to-be-ok” mindset, chances are you will barely remember the bumps in the road.
We think vacations are best when they’re balanced; when weave in some healthy choices AND enjoy a few splurges. When we move and explore, and veg and unwind. But remember that it’s your vacation. It doesn’t have to be anything other than what you want or need it to be. If you come back feeling fulfilled, happy and healthy, and with a renewed sense of energy and focus, we say that sounds like a successful vacation on the books.
