On the Go: Healthy on Vacation
Maybe you are taking time off to venture away this season and you're tempted to veer from any healthy practices that you've been trying to maintain. Often times, any slight change in routine can cause our wellness practices to start trickling down the drain but that doesn't have to be the case. It is definitely beneficial for mind and body to plan regular periods of relaxation, but a lax schedule can also be paired with few well-balanced meals and the pause of regular physical activities. Combining all of this with any special events of the season may have you running in a tizzy!
But keeping a handle on health while you are in a different environment is not an impossible feat if you plan ahead.
Below are 10 tips for staying healthy when you find your agenda to be a bit more relaxed whether you are traveling or staying put.
1. Communicate.
Prior to your trip, be sure to communicate with all those involved as to the intention. Inform them of what level of wellness you are hoping to maintain on the vacation while enjoying what’s in front of you.
2. Plan ahead.
Before your vacation, do some research. What food options are available? Is there is a fitness facility close by? What will the sleeping accommodations be? Maybe you need to pack healthy snacks for travel or even plan to cook a few healthy meals while away. Do you have a favorite pillow that you want to bring to promote better sleep? Go for it!
3. Wake up at a regular & similar time each day.
You don't need to attend to your typical waking hours during the working week but your body clock will thank you for maintaining normalcy and balance by resting for regular durations of time.
4. Start with stretching.
The benefits of stretching are immense and, often times, we are tight upon waking in the morning. Even as you spend time away from home, performing morning yoga or taking a few minutes to intentionally stretch your limbs before getting out of bed can get your blood flowing for the rest of the day.
5. Drink water.
Drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning helps to flush toxins that may have pooled in your body overnight. Try a drop of lemon essential oil or a squeeze of lemon to give an extra boost for detoxing the liver. Continue to ingest as much water as you can during your vacation to keep the varying foods digesting smoothly.
6. Moderation with food.
Speaking of food, enjoy the variety that your vacation may bring! Trying local cuisine can be a favorite part about travel, but it can be difficult to know how the body will process new indulgences so execute moderation. Try one unique meal each day or one new food during each sitting. But be sure to maintain balance.
7. Stay active.
If you find yourself in a place that houses fitness equipment or offers group exercise classes during the holidays, then count yourself blessed! Continuing to exercise during vacation will give you an extra boost towards relaxation. Search out different options for staying active in your area. If available to you, ice skating, sledding and cross country skiing will also do the trick.
8. Pack vitamins & other supplements.
It’s easy to forget about your routine of vitamins, supplements and/or essential oils while on vacation. Your body has become accustomed to the benefits provided by these bits of nature so they should be included on the packing list.
9. Create space for alone time.
With all of the hustle and bustle of travel it’s hard to find quiet time. Spend moments reflecting and preparing, first thing in the morning. Take time during the afternoon to decompress and do some reading or journaling. Carve time out of each day to maintain this form of self-care while on vacation. If you are writing about your vacation in a diary it can also serve as a food diary to help monitor your intake as you vacation!
10. Set your mind.
Decide beforehand, what you will gain from your vacation. Are you dreading the specifics of travel through the airport and worrying about the day to day? Or will it be a time of renewal and rejuvenation? Draw energy from what’s around you this holiday season knowing that it's a temporary change and one that is worth the enjoyment. Gather what you can from every moment.
What’s Next?
For a free download with more travel tips visit our Aspen Wellness Resources.