Vacations are supposed to be a time of rest, relaxation, and recharging; yet around half of all Americans return from their vacation feeling exhausted. Holidays are fun, but all that travel, sightseeing, and activity that we try to pack into our time off can have the reverse effect to what we intended. Below are five tips for staying well rested when on vacation and returning feeling revitalized;ready to take up the challenges of everyday life again.
Plan your time
Most people put a lot of thought into planning their vacation – where to go, what to do, and how to get there. Little thought is given to sleep and rest. Along with planning your days, it is worth considering your nights and planning a sleep schedule.
Our body clocks thrive on routine. Maintaining a similar sleep and wake time to that of home will support your plans for fun filled days and avoid you feeling too exhausted to take part in activities. If you find it difficult to sleep away from home, pack some home comforts like a pillow, scented oil, or favorite nightwear.
Prepare for a different time zone
If you’re heading to another time-zone for your vacation, get plenty of rest before you board that flight – particularly if you have a long flight to reach your destination. Start to sync your schedule to the new time zone before you leave. This means heading to bed closer to the time it is at your destination and even adjusting meal times. Doing so will give your body time to tune into the new time zone.
Be realistic
Scheduling days that start at the crack of dawn and finish well after the sun dips below the horizon are a mistake. Although vacations are about seeing and experiencing new things, trying to pack too much in will hamper your enjoyment. It may even dim the memories you have of your vacation.
Sleep is the time that our minds and bodies repair and prepare for the next day. Reducing the amount of sleep we get so we can pack more into a vacation will ultimately reduce enjoyment. If you don’t give yourself enough sleep on vacation, your brain won’t be able to consolidate your experiences and turn them into happy memories you recall with ease. Not only that, you’ll be unfocused and lack attention during the day.
Instead, schedule activities and sightseeing in a way that allows you time to rest and restore between each.
Don’t overdo it
Sure, vacations are about relaxing, but being too lazy while you’re away can be just as harmful as being over-active. Strike a balance between relaxation and activity. Make sure you get enough exercise each day as well as enough rest.
Spending time in outdoor natural places is important for mental health and a great way to explore a new place. Consider hiking in a national park, walking along foreign streets, visiting parks, or swimming at a beautiful white-sand beach to ensure you’re active enough to rest well each night. This will make the most of your vacation destination.
Take an extra day
It can be difficult to leave a beautiful destination. As tempting as it can be to stay on vacation right to the last minute, you won’t be doing yourself any favors. Rather than heading back to work right after your holiday, plan a rest day to adjust from vacation mode to everyday life. This gives you time to switch back to regular life, get organized, and have some time to chill in your home space before tackling the tasks that you left behind for your break.
By taking it easy on yourself while you’re away and giving yourself time to adjust into holiday mode and back again, your vacation can become a time of rest, fun, and restoration.
Post written by: Elise Morgan
Twitter: @elisemthewriter