6 Healthy Lifestyles to Have on Vacation
Whether you are sunbathing on a tropical island, hiking through the mountains, sightseeing in a new country, or visiting friends and family in a different city, chances are you probably didn’t pack your bags with the intent to keep up with your healthy lifestyle. Your overall health is linked to your mood, focus and energy levels. All of these can impact the quality of your vacation and your relationships with those who are vacationing with you. It’s okay to let loose a little – after all, it is your vacation! However, here are some easy ways to keep a healthy lifestyle even on vacation.
Meal Replacement Shakes
On vacation, most people don’t typically plan to bring healthy foods. The local cuisine draws us in and we eat whatever we desire. Sometimes, we skip meals altogether if we are swamped. A beneficial solution is to bring along a delicious meal replacement shake. This prevents skipping a meal or choosing an unhealthy, fast alternative and also provides your body with the nutrients it needs to have the energy to make the most of your day. You’ll feel full and have energy, preventing you from getting hangry and ruining a great vacation.
Bring Your Vitamins
If you’re used to taking vitamins and supplements every day, don’t forget to pack them for your vacation. Supplements fill any nutritional gap your diet may have, which may be present on vacation when you’re eating out more. Your energy and alertness may also be affected by vitamins that your body is used to receiving daily.
Drink More Water
A large portion of our body is composed of water, meaning hydration plays an essential role in a healthy lifestyle while traveling. If flying, drink extra water to combat jet lag and potentially help prevent blood clots during long flights. Be sure to bring a water bottle along with you, especially if you are on an active vacation involving backpacking or other strenuous activities. There are many simple ways to incorporate more water during your travels. Ask for water when eating at restaurants to further increase your water intake. Start and end your day with a glass of water. Eating foods high in water content is another way to ensure you stay adequately hydrated on vacation. Watermelons and cucumbers are two great examples. If you’re drinking alcohol on your trip, drinking more water can help prevent hangovers. If you are traveling out of the country, be sure to research any restrictions or guidelines for drinking water in your destination country to ensure safety. Bottled water is a safe option if you are unsure of the water quality wherever you are.
Lather the Sunscreen
Even if it looks overcast or cloudy, protect your skin by applying sunscreen generously and frequently. It is a good idea to bring a bottle with you if you are going out for the whole day. It doesn’t take up much space in your bag, and you’ll be glad you brought it if it means avoiding sunburn. Sunburn can ruin the vibes of vacation, and repeated sunburn is terrible for your skin health. Choose a water-resistant, sweat-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF to pack in your suitcase. Spray solutions may be a better option for on-the-go applications.
Wear Appropriate Attire
Dressing appropriately is essential for active vacations. Bring supportive tennis shoes and lace them securely before performing any activities. This can prevent injuries during your adventures. If you are lounging on a beach, be sure to bring sunhats and covers to protect your skin from the sun. Think carefully about what you will be doing on your vacation to pack the correct attire for safety.
Get Enough Sleep
The last thing you may want to think about is sleep if you’re at a party destination. Adequate quality sleep keeps your body healthy, your mind focused and your energy levels up. Try to give yourself time to get enough sleep each night to restore your body and mind. Make your room cool and dark to help facilitate sleep. It is good practice to limit screen time before bed, as well. Quality sleep will improve your mood and hopefully prevent any grumpiness from tarnishing a beautiful vacation day.
Staying healthy while on vacation can easily be accomplished with a bit of extra planning and some mindfulness. You don’t have to stick to a strict diet or go overboard, but there are plenty of simple ways to keep up a healthy lifestyle while on vacation. Location and planned activities play a role in the extras you should consider packing, so be sure to keep that in mind. You will look and feel better if you implement some of the healthy lifestyles your body and mind are used to daily when you are at home. You want to make the most of your vacation, so take some little steps to ensure you feel your best physically and mentally!
