Vacation Vibes: Balancing Indulgence with Wellness
It’s that time of year again, vacation time! Looking forward to your well-deserved vacation can be a great way to kick start your wellness journey or reignite that spark for fitness. You have done the hard work and you made it. Now comes the anxious questions, “will I be able to stay on track will on vacation,” or “will I want to jump back into things when I get back.” The answer is yes! I will give you a few quick and easy tips to keep you on track during and after your vacation.
Drink your water. One of the most overlooked aspects while on vacation is staying hydrated. While out in the sun, maybe enjoying a few more alcoholic beverages than usual, dehydration will sneak up on you. Bring a water bottle with you and fill it up every chance you get. Staying hydrated will help keep your energy levels up, improve digestion and keep your metabolism working hard.
Stay active throughout the day. If hitting the gym does not sound like the most relaxing way to spend your time, embrace the adventurer in you. Get out and explore. Walk to places you normally wouldn’t. Rent a bike or a paddle board. Explore a beautiful neighborhood. Walk to restaurants and stores. Take long walks on the beach. These activities not only keep you active but allow you to immerse yourself in the culture of your destination. You might even be surprised how many calories you end up burning throughout the day.
Stay mindful. I will touch on several different areas on this one. First, stay mindful with your meals. Indulging in local cuisine is the best part of vacations, so enjoy the food and drinks. Eat what you want, but remember to add in fruits, vegetables, and protein. Be mindful of portion sizes and avoiding over stuffing yourself. Avoid mindless snacking and processed foods. If you are hungry, sit down and enjoy a meal.
Prioritize rest. If you are tired, rest. Pushing yourself can lead to decreased metabolism and increased stress on the body. Check in with yourself throughout the day and take breaks to rejuvenate and reenergize. Depending on your destination, jetlag can really disrupt your sleep cycle. Get plenty of sleep at night to ensure you have the energy to enjoy your day. Following the tips listed above will also help with ensuring a good night’s sleep. Cooling the temperature of the room and avoiding food before bed can also aid in quality sleep.
Returning home after a vacation can be a huge challenge in your health and fitness journey. You are out of the routine you created before the trip and it is challenging to jump right back into it, especially if the vacation was your motivation.
Set up an accountability plan before you leave to help overcome those barriers. Following the tips above will allow a smooth transition back into a healthy routine. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself a few days to ease back into your routine to avoid burnout. You are the master of your own body but continue to challenge yourself. Health and wellness is an endless journey. Keep the motivation going even after the vacation is over.