We all love a good holiday, who doesn’t look forward to that precious time to reset and recharge. But let’s be honest not all holidays are created equal. Sometimes we end up coming home a little worse for wear and more worn out than when we left. While staying healthy might not always be the first priority on your mind when you are vacationing, it is pretty essential, after all how will you enjoy your time away if you fall ill?
We all love a good holiday, who doesn’t look forward to that precious time to reset and recharge. But let’s be honest not all holidays are created equal. Sometimes we end up coming home a little worse for wear and more worn out than when we left. While staying healthy might not always be the first priority on your mind when you are vacationing, it is pretty essential, after all how will you enjoy your time away if you fall ill?
Practise yoga by the scenic view of the lake
Getting Enough Rest
First up is getting enough rest. After long flights and minimal sleep it is extremely important to allow your body time to adjust. Minimise late nights and early mornings by planning your activities ahead of time and resting accordingly. Running your body down and functioning on no sleep will leave your immune system open to catching all sorts of things.
If you are travelling around a lot from place to place it can be a good idea to book overnight sleeping options for buses and trains.
Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
Again after long journeys couped up or strenuous daily activities, make sure you rehydrate your body sufficiently with plenty of water. Be sure to carry bottled water with you everywhere. Fresh water is not always available and you don’t want to be left dehydrated.
Eating out night after night can become a little unhealthy if you let it. Often the food options include high fat and high salt items so where possible choose fresh fruits and vegetables. Ensuring to eat healthy will also leave you feeling more energised and give your immune system the boost it needs.
Sunblock and Skin Care
Don’t neglect your skincare whilst you are away. Holidays generally equal more time outdoors and whether it’s in the sun or in the snow this can leave your skin open to damage. Sunblock and a hat are essential daily items to protect against UV. Moisturising both morning and night will aid in replenishing much needed moisture from both sun and extreme cold. It is sensible to follow your normal skin regime with one or two added products for extra protection.
Don’t over indulge in alcohol
Avoiding too many alcoholic drinks will rule out the possibility of spending your precious vacation time with a dreaded hangover! Cocktails may taste delicious but will take a toll on your overall health if you over indulge too often. One or two is ok however drinking any more than that and you are in danger of leaving your body feeling lethargic and tired.
If you do find yourself going a little crazy though, just remember to hydrate yourself the following day!
Cocktails can be tempting on a warm tropical holiday. Take a sip but do not overindulge!
Stay Fit
A holiday is no time to let your fitness lapse, in fact with no work to attend it is the perfect time to get it on track. Start each day with some fitness before your adventures begin. A pair of runners and some workout gear will be all you need for a brisk walk or run however there are a few items that will fit easily in your bag that will ensure your fitness is looked after.
The exercise you do doesn’t need to be strenuous and taking a Yoga mat which is lightweight and fits easily into your suitcase or ties to your backpack will make for easy beach or outdoors sessions. Yoga is the perfect holiday activity as it can be done almost anywhere, it’s also both rejuvenating and relaxing! Another lightweight and easy to carry item that can help keep your body toned while you are away from your normal routine is a resistance or power band. These are perfect for hotel workouts!
Prioritising your health whilst you are traveling can be the difference between returning reinvigorated or ready for a rest! Starting from scratch with health and fitness is never easy so a little bit of maintenance will ensure a healthy holiday and an easy transition back into everyday life!
What are your health tips for travelling?
Anna Johnson is an avid traveller and has many memories dotted across the globe from her adventures. Also with an interest in health and fitness Anna works for fitness and gym equipment experts Little Bloke Fitness.
