Self-care tips for a refreshing vacation

Holidays are here at last. It’s time to sit back and relax. So, why do so many people return from holidays feeling like they need another break? Prioritising self-care is the key to feeling energised, wherever in the world you are. So, if you’re planning a long trip to relax and recharge, follow these tips for a refreshing vacation.

Get enough sleep

It’s easy for our usual sleep patterns to be disrupted when we are travelling. Add in a different time zone and suddenly jet lag is playing havoc with our body clock. It is helpful to prepare by making sure you can get some good sleep before you go. And as tempting as it is to watch the latest blockbusters on the flight, use an eye-mask to block out the light from the cabin and sleep when you can.
When somewhere new its understandable to want to throw yourself into activities and pack as much in as you can. But taking it slower for the first couple of days and giving yourself enough time for a solid 8 hours sleep, will allow you to enjoy the rest of the holiday and return feeling you’ve had the refreshing break you deserve.

Keep a travel journal

Travelling abroad and experiencing different languages or cultures while exciting can also sometimes feel exhausting. So much so that it can be hard to remember all the great things you’ve done from one day to the next. Keeping a short travel journal can help you to make the most of the memories big and small. Were you greeted by a welcoming café owner? Maybe you ended up navigating the whole metro system on your own. Looking back over our holiday and realising how many new experiences you’ve enjoyed can be a big confidence boost, and may be the motivation you’ve been looking for to take steps outside our comfort zone once back home.

Take a walk

Unless you’re on a hiking trip you probably don’t want to be reminded to make sure you get in your daily 10,000 steps. But walking has a whole host of health benefits and when you’re on holiday there is no better time to get moving and explore on foot. Walking is a great opportunity to enjoy some fresh air, take in the sights at a leisurely pace, and burn off all those excess calories from over-indulging in the local cuisine.

Look after your skin

Flying, air-conditioning and sun can all take a toll on your skin. It’s important to drink plenty of water while travelling to stay hydrated. Make-up can feel stifling in a hot climate but it is important to maintain a good skin-care routine including a nourishing moisturiser. There are loads of great products on the market, but for a quick hydrating pick-me-up we love Advanced Night Repair from Estee Lauder. This award-winning serum is oil-free and comes in an easy size to pop in a travel bag, making it a light-weight way to keep your skin hydrated for longer.

Stretch

Whether you are travelling by plane, boat, bus, car or train getting from a to b is going to involve sitting for long periods. Stretching is crucial not just for good circulation but to make sure that your holiday isn’t hindered by muscle stiffness and injury.
Taking time to do simple neck stretches and twists in your seat can make all the difference to how you feel when you arrive. Take the time once you have space to also stretch out your back and legs with some light side stretches and back bends, and a leisurely stroll.

Learn to say no

When you are on holiday there is always one more site to see, one more bar to experience, one more restaurant to try. You can’t do everything and trying to cram everything in risks leaving you exhausted. Learning about your destination before you go and planning ahead can help you to decide what experiences you really want to invest in while away. But when setting your schedule remember to plan time for simply sitting back and taking in where you are. Leaving space in your travel schedule lets you soak up the atmosphere and take advantage of those spontaneous moments you could never have imagined.