How to Manage your Health While on Vacation
A few years ago, I wrote a blog with some tips on how to enjoy your vacation so you didn’t feel even more stressed out. You can read about it here.
Fast forward to 2024, and I have kept some of the same principles and have added some more so that I feel refreshed when I get home from a vacation.
Book the day off before you leave and after you get home
This is probably one of the best things I do for my sanity. I book a day before and after travel as a buffer and what a difference it makes! Giving yourself buffer days allows you to breathe and reduce the need to rush. Rushing increases stress and let’s face it, we’re not starting a vacation in the best mindset. This year, I arranged for a child-free day. I started my day with wrapping up work (about an hour of emails and loose ends) and then I did some packing prep before heading to the spa.
Arrange kid-free time and do something for yourself
Now, the spa is a first for me. I always viewed it as expensive, and unnecessary. BUT, I have found a way to make the spa an accessible part of my self-care and here’s the trick- layer services! I go for a massage every 4-6 weeks and when I need to invest in rest, I am now layering an additional service to stretch my time. So for example, at Grand River Wellness in Brantford, you can spend 45 minutes in the Salt Cave. It’s a dark, cool place where you can rest and breathe. I’ve now turned my 1-hour massage into a 2-hour spa visit for an extra $45.
It doesn’t have to be the spa- it can be anything just for you that will help fill your cup and relax you. It could be taking a picnic to a local park bench or going to a restorative yoga class.
Pack with your health in mind
Here’s some things I pack when possible:
yoga mat, bands and “travel” workout gear
Vitamins, herbal teas and other nutrition
A favourite waterbottle
Paperback book (to encourage screen free time)
Bath salts, essential oils and silicone cups for my own “spa” practices
Plan to move your body in ways you enjoy
I love when we go to the cottage because we are in the lake every day, sometimes 2-3 times a day. We are walking the dirt roads and exploring nature. We are playing twister and testing out the paddle boat and canoes. We are more active than at home but in completely unstructured ways.
You can let go of structure. You can let go of what fitness is “supposed to look like”
On the flip side, I pack my yoga mat, resistance bands and TRX for the cottage because I LOVE doing workouts when I’m on vacation. But I’ve also done that in the past with intention, only to not touch any of my gear. What am I saying? Do what feels good in your body and give yourself permission to let go of expectations. Speaking of expectations…
Communicate expectations with your spouse/travel partners
Travelling with kids is a lot of work, before, during and unpacking. If you are travelling with other adults, talk to each other about how you’d like to experience rest. Consider what days you would like to sleep in and what days you will manage the kids so your spouse or other adults can sleep in. Ask if there are times when they can occupy the kids at the beach or go for trail walks without you so you can enjoy some quiet. Talk about your own personal vacation goals and preferences such as visiting the antique store or stopping at a fruit stand for local produce. Having these conversations ahead of time or even on the way (think long drive to the cottage!) can make a huge difference in your mental health during your vacation.
And my favourite, bless your mental health by coming home to a clean house
For years it has been my goal to have someone help me with cleaning and this is the first year I have made the investment! I have fought with myself about my abilities as a wife, mother and business owner, wearing all the hats. Here’s the thing… I am not good at cleaning, I don’t like doing it and I am constantly frustrated with it. So if I don’t like it, not good at it and it’s causing me stress, I came to this conclusion: I need help.
Cleaning with Claire is a small, woman-owned business in the Brant region and I trusted her team to come into our home while we were away. Do you hear what I’m saying? After my vacation, I come home to a clean house. Game changer.
Overall, taking care of your health on vacation is all about finding balance, prioritizing self-care, and setting realistic expectations. By planning ahead, staying active in ways that feel good, and making time for relaxation, you can return from your trip feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, both mentally and physically.
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