Healthy habits on holidays

Holidays are an amazing opportunity to really take care of our wellbeing. This is the chance to set aside the pressures of everyday life, without alarm clocks, morning commutes or deadlines. We get to prioritise our own rest and enjoyment and plan some fun activities that we can be looking forward to all year long. However, holidays can sometimes be viewed as an obstacle to overcome when it comes to your health and wellness journey. We can fear that spending time eating, drinking, or not moving in our normal ways can derail our progress. If this is true for you, then this is the moment to really take a step back, remember our why, and focus on what is actually most important to us.

Here at Enrich, we know there is a way to combine pleasure and wellness while you’re on holiday. When we establish healthy habits that prioritise listening to our bodies and really getting clear on what is important to us, a holiday is not a setback, but a chance to really switch off, recharge and treat our bodies with kindness. Remember that this is a time to connect with loved ones and de-stress. Ironically, switching off, lowering our stress levels, and eating that ice-cream has greater benefits for our health than eating ‘perfectly’ when on holiday.

Here are our top tips to make the most of your holiday and come out feeling refreshed and energised.

-  Think about how you want to feel on holiday, not just about what you want to do or see. We can often get caught up in the excitement of seeing new things, but a holiday is also our chance to connect with ourselves and think about what would really feel good. Do we want to feel relaxed, energised, connected, adventurous or refreshed? Once we have decided that, it can be easier to plan your days accordingly.

-  Take advantage of the increase in free time and do some of the things you have had on your wish list but are always too busy for. This is the moment to take the longer hike, lie in and catch up on your sleep, or spend the afternoon browsing markets for the perfect ingredients to your favourite dinner.

-  Start the day with a well-balanced breakfast. Including a source of protein, such as eggs or Greek yoghurt, can help us to feel properly nourished and sustain our energy throughout the day’s activities. It’s not about restriction, rather it’s about supporting our body in simple ways to make the most of our time away.

-  Add a movement-based activity to your plans. Of course, time in the hammock on the beach is a non-negotiable. But if we can keep balance in mind, we will feel better overall. Could you take a nice long walk to see the sights, or maybe try a new activity out on the ocean? It does not have to be intense, but rather something small and consistent each day.

-  Limit your alcohol to get your most restful sleep. We can often want to let loose and increase our drinking on holiday, but alcohol has a negative affect on the quality of our sleep, leaving us feeling tired and sluggish. If you want to finish your holiday feeling rested and refreshed, consider swapping in a mocktail or fresh juice.

-  Don’t neglect your hydration. Staying hydrated is essential to feeling energised, so bring a water bottle with you and fill it regularly. This is particularly important if you are somewhere with sunnier weather.

-  Remember, one meal (or one week of meals) won’t make or break your health. The most important thing is to feel rested and enjoy your time, so even if you achieve none of your wellness goals, don’t stress. Focus on the good things, and re-commit to yourself on your return home.