Photo Courtesy of - d26b73
When it comes to traveling, there are many times we find ourselves needing a vacation from our vacations. So often do we try to fit every last activity and event into our already jam-packed agendas to make the most out of our getaways that we end up completely exhausted the moment we return home.
Although there’s nothing wrong with having a completely full schedule while traveling, if you’re wanting to feel a little more rested upon returning home, here are a few tips to help reserve a little more energy during your trip.
Morning Habits
Eat a hearty, healthy breakfast every morning. We’ve all heard the saying—“Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” But regardless of how stereotypical the phrase, for many, a balanced breakfast is many times either forgotten or replaced by a single cup of joe. Eating a hearty meal in the mornings (and that doesn’t include the sugary, greasy buffet food items often served in hotel lobbies) gives your body the energy it needs to jumpstart your mind and body for the day. It can also prevent you from having sugar or heavy carb crashes later on.
Meditate for 15 minutes when you wake up. Although this might seem like an odd time for meditating, it’s actually a perfect time. For many of us, it’s hard not to wake up and start thinking about all the things we have/want to do that day. But by taking a few minutes to relax your mind and body, it sets the tone for the rest of the day, keeping you focused, optimistic and stress-free.
Afternoon Habits
Take power naps. Who says naps aren’t for adults? According to a recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), “a 30-minute nap can reverse the hormonal impact of a night of poor sleep” and can “counter the damaging effects of sleep restriction by helping the immune and neuroendocrine systems to recover.” So if you’re able to, getting in a few power naps can significantly improve your overall experience, leaving you more energized when you return home.
Find ways to fit in exercise. Getting in a little exercise during your travels can help tremendously with keeping energy up and lethargy down. And that doesn’t mean you have to go to a gym. You can simply take the stairs at your hotel, do some yoga before your morning meditation, go on walking tours of popular area attractions, etc. Whatever you choose to do, whether it be a quick 10 minutes of exercise or a full two-hour workout, anything is better than nothing!
Evening Habits
Pack for the next day’s events the night before. Whether you’re going hiking, visiting the local theme parks or exploring downtown for the day, there’s always something to pack in preparation for it. So why not have everything packed (or laid out) and ready to go in the morning? This way, you’ll have more time for getting in some morning meditation, eating a healthy breakfast and completing your other morning routines.
Have some herbal tea before bedtime. Drinking caffeine-free herbal tea is a great way to de-stress, unwind and relax before falling asleep. Chamomile, peppermint, lavender and lemon balm are just a few of the types of teas that can help you fall asleep faster, which in turn can allow you to have a deeper night’s rest.
Anytime Habits
Be early for events. There’s nothing more stressful than running late. And when you’re on vacation, being stressed should be the last thing on your to-do list. So rather than being late—or even on time—try planning to be early everywhere you go. You may just get a better seat, an earlier check-in or something else delightfully unexpected as a result.
Avoid eating out every meal. Unless you’re careful, eating at restaurants frequently can result in consuming a lot more calories than originally planned—even if you’re one that chooses salads over burgers. It’s very common for restaurants to serve up dishes that are double or even triple the regular serving size, causing people to eat more without realizing their intake. And while there are always healthy options to choose from, it’s easy to forget about the calories that come with bread, appetizers, desserts and drinks. Because overeating can lead to weight gain and fatigue, it’s good to keep your dining out to a minimum if possible.
Put down the electronics. This is a great habit for both children and adults to adhere to. For children, it might mean ditching the video games and on-the-go movies. For adults, it might mean ignoring Facebook notifications and emails that can certainly wait until later. If your vacation is intended for taking time off from work, then truly take that time off from work!
So take advantage of these helpful (and healthful) travel habits for any upcoming vacation. Additionally, you can find even more travel information and advice from E-Z by checking out our E-Z Rent-A-Car coupons, travel-related blog posts and more!
Photo Courtesy of - Minette Layne
