4 Healthy Vacation Tips

Everytime I come back from a getaway, I realize how important it is to take breaks in life. Whether it’s a week-long vacation, a quick weekend escape, or even just taking time for yourself on a daily and weekly basis. Taking breaks are critical for your health — physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Good rest and relaxation allows you to decrease stress, increase happiness, and come back recharged ready to tackle your day-to-day activities. 


Unfortunately, a lot of times when we travel (myself included!), it can be way too easy to let our healthy habits slip — which can counteract some of the amazing health benefits of taking a vacation in the first place! So, here are 4 quick tips to help you stay healthy while traveling:


1. Be Conscious of Your Nutrition
Nutrition is something that can have one of the highest levels of impact on your health — including when you’re on vacation. Now don’t get me wrong, I still have vacation meals when I’m traveling – I’m a huge foodie. While eating is one of the things I give myself the most leeway with on vacation, I am still aware of the foods I’m eating.
Here are some easy guidelines:

• Have some greens and/or veggies with as many meals as possible.
• Don’t overdo it on carbs every meal.
• Limit the amount of desserts – not eating it at every meal, or only having small amounts most of the time.
• Try not to have TOO much alcohol – and limit drinks that are super sugary.

These guidelines don’t make me feel limited or restricted, because I know I feel much better than when I have no discipline whatsoever. If there are some days or meals where I want to go all out and have a ton of carbs or a ton of dessert or don’t really feel like veggies – then I do it, and I don’t beat myself up over it.  I acknowledge that it’s a vacation meal and I’m okay with that. 
All those suggestions might seem like a lot to keep track of or think about at first — but even starting with baby steps can make a huge difference!


2. Drink Enough Water
It’s so important to stay well-hydrated with plenty of water! This might seem basic, but it’s easy to forget about when you’re out of your normal routine. Neglecting your water intake can affect your energy levels, digestion, mood, and even cause headaches — none of which allow you to fully enjoy your trip. A good goal is half your body weight in ounces of water each day. 
 
3. Do Something Active
I used to hardly ever exercise on vacations. I thought, “It’s vacation – I should be able to just completely relax and do absolutely nothing if I want to”. I’ve realized that working out on vacation actually makes me feel better and enjoy my trip more. Getting some light exercise will help you stay energized and boost your happy hormones, not to mention help offset some of the vacation meals you’re bound to have. You can do a pool workout, play tennis, walk or run around outside, or go to a workout room.  


4. Get Plenty of Rest and Relaxation
​One of the main reasons you’re probably going on vacation is to relax, right? Make sure you’re not sabotaging your relaxation efforts by trying to pack too much action into one trip. Engage in relaxing activities every day — whether it’s reading a book for fun, basking in the sunshine, getting a massage, or watching the sun set.
Allow yourself to detach from all the tasks on your to-do list and responsibilities waiting for you back home. Work on being fully present in the moment! And don’t skimp on sleep!  This way you’ll be able to come home well-rested and recharged! 
Your action step for today is this: Plan your next vacation! It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive or a week-long trip. It can be as simple as taking a day-trip or a relaxing stay-cation. Just decide where you’re going and when, put it on your calendar, get excited for it, and stick to it!