From morning meditation to fitness, nutrition and sleep, I'm sharing simple things you can do to feel fit and healthy on your next vacation.
With summer here, hopefully you're going to be vacationing somewhere fabulous...soon! Summer vacations can be a great way to recharge, rejuvenate and take a break from your regular work routine. But, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to take a break from your healthy lifestyle too. Rather than eating and drinking too much, missing the gym and getting completely off track, how amazing would it feel to return from your vacation feeling fit and healthy? Think it can't be done???
Whether it's a weekend in the mountains or my favorite, a week long beach getaway, I have found a few ways to travel and still maintain my healthy lifestyle. Today I'm sharing 9 Self Care Practices I use to support me in feeling fit and healthy on vacation so you can too!
I love starting my vacation days with a morning meditation. Whether I am sitting on the shore or just a quiet, peaceful spot. It's the perfect way to clear my mind and set my intentions for the day. Taking just a few minutes for yourself first thing in the morning is such a beautiful way to indulge in self care and a build a healthy mind and body. Meditating for even just 10 minutes every morning truly helps me feel more centered, aligned and grounded.
Mornings are also the best time for me to get a workout in! After I'm done meditating, I'll head to the resort gym or go for a run on the beach. I've found if I wait too late in the day, something always comes up. So before everything else gets started, I get my fitness going! This way I don't miss out on any other activities or time at the pool. I leave my phone behind so I stay focused and maximize my time. Why not try something new while you're at it too? Vacation workouts are the perfect chance to try new moves, different routines and exercise combinations. I also love finding fun and creative ways to be active! Walks on the beach, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, swimming and dancing are fun ways to stay active all day long!
Another way I stay fit and healthy on vacation is stocking my hotel room or Airbnb with healthy food and snacks. Depending on what the kitchen/refrigerator situation is like, I will head to a local grocery store or farmers market and stock up on groceries for not just my snacks, but for most of my meals as well. Having nutrient rich foods on hand when I'm hungry and being able to prepare salads and healthy meals instead of eating out the entire time makes such a difference.
I know you're heard it before, but staying hydrated is such an important part of self care. When I travel, I carry a bottle of water (or two) with me everywhere I go. I aim to drink at least 96 ounces of water a day and make sure to stock my room with plenty of bottled water. Staying hydrated on vacation makes such a difference in how I feel! It helps stabilize my hunger levels, gives me more energy and keeps my skin soft and glowing.
I find that being on vacation is the best time to read books that nourish my mind and soul. Having a less hectic schedule gives me more time to think about what I'm reading and take in a deeper message. Some of my favorites are Spirit Junkie by Gabby Bernstein, Daring Greatly by Brene Brown and this summer I plan on reading Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes, can't wait dive into this one! Need more ideas, check out this list from Pop Sugar 16 Inspiring Books You Should Read in 2016.
There is nothing like getting out of your comfort zone to re-energize and invigorate your life! And vacations offer the opportunity to do just that! I love being somewhere different...new views, new foods, new stuff to do...so much fun and such a fabulous way to get out of my comfort zone. Trying something I normally wouldn't do, gives me the confidence to take on any challenge. I lose the fear associated with the "unknown" and embrace the opportunity to expand my views and life experience. Whether that is trying a new physical activity...a pool side yoga class, surf lessons or kayaking or indulging in some unique local foods or simply losing myself in a different culture.
Taking good care of my skin is such an important part of being healthy on vacation. The Tropical Coconut Sunscreen Spray and Mineral Liplux in Summer Crush from Coola are absolutely my new favorite sunscreen products! If you haven't checked them out...they have amazing stuff! I also love to take some time on vacation to book a facial or sea salt scrub treatment. It's the perfect way for me to pamper myself, relax and unwind. I also make sure I pack coconut or jojoba oil to keep my skin moisturized and hydrated all day long.
I think finding "real food" snacks can be a bit of a challenge and I do have to get creative sometimes to avoid processed foods and convenience snacks...but, it can be done! Keeping fresh vegetables in my room is a must. Even if it is something as simple as mini peppers, Bitchin Sauce, a few avocados and meat sticks. Having real food easy and accessible is so helpful for staying healthy and fit on vacation!
How great does it feel to catch up on your sleep and come back from vacation well rested? Getting enough sleep is such an essential part of self care. On vacation I try to get at least 8 hours of sleep at night and if I can indulge in an afternoon nap, I definitely will! When I get good sleep, my body feels strong, fit and healthy and my mind/mood is more creative, happy and positive. There is nothing worse than being tired and cranky on vacation. Not getting enough sleep can also lead to overeating and unhealthy food cravings. Lack of sleep slows down your metabolism and zaps your energy and motivation. On vacation, I make sure I crawl into bed early, turn off my alarm and allow myself as much sleep as I need. I not only feel so much better on vacation, but when I get home I feel refreshed and revitalized.
I hope you get a chance to embrace your wanderlust this summer. Just be sure and take care of yourself to stay fit and healthy!
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