Holidays are special times meant for escaping life’s stresses and letting your mind relax. That’s why coming back from a vacation can be tough. Getting back into the office routine is stressful, and it’s hard to return to your regular lifestyle and eating habits after a month of relaxation or maybe a bit too much wine. But while you can’t fully prepare for returning to your normal duties, there are ways to maintain your health routine while you’re away, making the transition back home less daunting. Staying balanced on vacation can help you feel more relaxed. Here are some simple tips that don’t require much time or a change in plans.
Trying local cuisines and new dishes is a must when traveling, but make sure your meals are colorful, says Maegan White, a nutritionist and blogger. The more vibrant the food, the more nutrients it contains. These nutrients keep your body healthy and functioning well. White suggests including at least one fruit and one vegetable in each meal or snack. She starts her day with a veggie-loaded omelette and carries portable fruits like apples or pears for snacking. She also looks for fresh produce at farmers’ markets or food trucks while exploring.
Exercise is known to boost energy, improve function, and enhance sleep, so it’s worth sticking to your routine even when away from home. New York City personal trainer John Ford stays fit on the go with resistance bands and a TRX suspension trainer. He also recommends using the facilities at your accommodation. If there’s a gym or classes available, take advantage of them. Wellness-focused places like Westin Hotels & Resorts make it easy to stay active, offering fitness centers with TRX machines and running concierges. They even have a lending program for workout gear, so you can pack lighter and have fewer clothes to wash when you return.
After exercising, refresh with fruit or vegetable smoothies or juices from the hotel’s Juicery. Also, try to get as much sleep as you do at home. Traveling can be taxing on your body and mind, with all the moving around and time zone changes, says wellness expert Dr. Jennifer Wider. That’s why getting enough sleep is crucial for your health while traveling. Hotel rooms are usually designed for optimal sleep, with amenities like blackout curtains, cool temperatures, and comfortable mattresses. If you’re staying somewhere less predictable, like an Airbnb, Dr. Wider suggests using a white noise app to block out noise and bringing your favorite sleep aid for comfort.
In restaurants, more customers are asking for personalized menu items, according to a National Restaurant Association report. People want their meals prepared differently, prefer various portion sizes, and often take leftovers home. Personally, I enjoy my favorite foods while traveling and rarely gain weight because I’m usually walking a lot during sightseeing. So, feel free to take a walk after dinner, swim in the hotel pool, or go for a morning stroll with your kids!
