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 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. Nutritionist Maegan White suggests that the more vibrant your food, the more nutrients it contains. She recommends including at least one fruit and one vegetable in each meal or snack. Start your day with a veggie-filled omelet and carry portable fruits like apples or pears for snacks. Look for fresh produce at local markets or food trucks.
Exercise is known to boost energy, improve function, and enhance sleep, so it’s worth sticking to your routine even when traveling. Personal trainer John Ford suggests traveling with resistance bands or a TRX suspension trainer. Use the facilities at your accommodation, like gyms or fitness classes. Some wellness-focused places, like Westin Hotels, make it easy to stay active with fitness centers and running concierges. They even offer a gear lending program to lighten your luggage.
After working out, refresh with fruit or vegetable smoothies or juices available at hotel juice bars. Also, try to get as much sleep as you do at home. Traveling can be exhausting, so enough rest is crucial. Hotel rooms are designed for optimal sleep with features like blackout curtains and comfortable mattresses. If you’re staying in a less predictable environment, consider using a white noise app and bring your favorite sleep aid for comfort.
In restaurants, more customers are asking for personalized menu items. They want dishes prepared differently, various portion sizes, and often prefer to take leftovers home. Personally, I enjoy my favorite foods while traveling and rarely gain weight because I stay active with sightseeing and walking. So, feel free to take a walk after dinner, swim in the hotel pool, or go for a morning stroll with your kids!