6 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy on Your Summer Vacation
You just spent the whole winter and spring seasons preparing for your summer vacation by planning all the perfect details and working on your beach body. Rather than reverse all the work you put into getting ready for your excursion, keep the spirit of health alive during your travels to take adequate care of your mind and body no matter where you are in the world. Vacations can be just as taxing as they are relaxing. Read on for tips to help you stay healthy during your time off this summer.
- Think Ahead
As you plan for your trip, take some time to consider more than just what swimsuit to pack and which sunglasses to bring on your waterfall hike. From homemade, nutritious meals to vitamin D gummies, planning ahead for your wellbeing and nutrition will make it easier to keep up a healthier lifestyle on your trip.
Snacks
Undoubtedly, there will be days on your vacation where you’ll be on the go sightseeing, swimming at the beach or out exploring the city. A few easy, healthful snacks packed into your sling bag or backpack will prevent you from snacking on processed snacks or unhealthy street food options when you don’t have time to sit down for a healthy meal.
Meals
As you look for accommodations, try to book a room or a short-term rental space with access to a kitchen that will allow you to make healthier meals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This will not only save your waistline, but it will also save money in your budget to splurge on nicer meals when it is time to explore the local restaurant scene.
Supplements
Travel can place extra stress on your system due to jet lag, additional physical activity, time changes or hustling around the city to make it on time for show reservations or gallery bookings. Pack a few extra supplements to support your system, such as a multivitamin, natural sleep aids, probiotics and immune-boosting supplements.
Taking a multivitamin for women specifically is an easy and effective way to get your daily vitamins and minerals, as these formulas are designed with the unique needs of female health in mind. They often include key ingredients like folic acid, iron and calcium that help support energy levels, mood and other aspects of health.
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast
When you’re staying away from home, especially ones overseas, the options for breakfast often get a lot more sugary, fatty, sweet and unhealthy. Start the day as you normally would at home by skipping the pastries and sweets and opting instead for a healthy meal loaded with whole grains, lean proteins, fresh fruits and healthy vegetables.
- Plan Physical Activity
Even if your primary goal for your vacation is to laze around on the beach or by the pool for most of the day, your body will thank you if you make a point to stay active for at least some part of the day. It may not be possible for you to stick to your typical workout routine, but at least 20 minutes of aerobic exercise per day can do a lot to keep up your physical fitness while you’re away from home. If your itinerary involves a great deal of sightseeing, consider skipping the bus or train and walking from place to place on foot. As well, try to plan at least one or two vacation activities that center around getting your heart rate up, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, biking or going on a designated walking tour around the area.
- Stay Hydrated
While you’re on the go, it can be difficult to remember to stop what you’re doing to drink as much water as your body needs to stay properly hydrated. Get ahead of potential dehydration, especially if you’ll be spending more time in the sun or on foot while on your trip, and carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. Make a point to take it out of your bag every so often to drink water well before you get thirsty, as thirst is the first sign that you’re not drinking enough water.
- De-stress
Airport delays, time changes, packed daily schedules and routine changes can all have a negative impact on your system. Download a few meditation podcasts for those extra stressful times or schedule a special spa day at your destination to work through and decompress from inevitable travel hiccups.
- Rest
Even if you’re in the same time zone, your sleep schedule can get significantly interrupted thanks to early morning excursions or late nights out on the town. Sleep is important to help your body rest and recover from the day’s events. Sleep deprivation while on vacation will not only make you feel run down, but it could result in a weakened immune system, irritability or excess fatigue that would prevent you from enjoying your vacation to the fullest.
Plan your days to allow at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night, even if that means you have to sacrifice a few activities in your itinerary. Set aside a few days that will allow you to get to bed a little earlier or have a later start in the morning, too. The more relaxed and at ease you feel on your vacation, the easier it will be to make the most of your time away.
