I have the
idea that vacations are meant to be relaxing. I have meticulously followed all
tips for a relaxing holiday, only to find out that it is impossible to relax,
and have kept wondering why? What did I do wrong? I have turned off my devices,
I have packed light, and I have refrained from scheduling and have vowed to eat
as I please, without thinking of my weight, only to find out that I cannot be
stress-free. Now I know I’ve gotten it all wrong.
In case you too are having a hard time to enjoy a stress-free vacation these 4 tips may work for you (I have found the hard way that they work for me).
1) The
not-so-evil email Inbox
While at
work I am constantly checking my email. I have found out that refraining from
checking my email while traveling can be a source of stress. I am trying to
relax and I am thinking of the jammed inbox that I will face when I will be
back, or even worse of That very important email that will be waiting patiently
for me in my inbox only to go unnoticed when I’m back because of the overload.
If you can
recall having similar thoughts, be nice with yourself. Check your mail twice a
day for let’s say half an hour. You will definitely be more relaxed if you
think everything is under control, even while you are away from the office.
2) All
relax and no schedule makes Jack a stressed boy
When
thinking of vacations I have flashes of myself on a beach drinking my mojito on
a beach doing nothing, free to sit there for the entire day and without moving
a finger. I imagine myself wandering aimlessly (with grace) on the streets of
an unknown place, mingling with the locals, just savoring the moment. In
reality, I can really not stay on a beach, a mojito on hand, more than two
hours, at least not without constantly wondering “what’s next?”
Doing
nothing can be stressful for some people. If you are one of those people try
doing a minimum of scheduling so that you know what’s ahead for you.
3) Packing
light won’t make you travel light-heartedly
Frequent
travelers always say that the less you take with you the more carefree you will
be. Well, I have no reason to believe this does not work if you are an explorer
by nature, someone who leaves home in the twinkling of an eye, to take the
Trans-Siberian, but for me at least it did not work.
Having
choice can always be comforting and relaxing, and I can assure you there is a
lot of choice in a full, 50 pound suitcase.
4) Eat,
Gain (weight), Travel
I am
constantly taking care of keeping a balanced diet, just because I hate being on
a real diet. While traveling, I have many times consciously let myself deviate
from (or rather forget) my dietary habits because I thought that would make me
relax. Well I guess I could not relax as my jeans kept getting tighter, I just
kept thinking I would have to starve upon my imminent return.
If you are
weight-conscient, like me, letting yourself go too far with food probably won’t
make it for you. Of course you would want to savor the exquisite local Italian
specialties but for your own good refrain from eating Italy altogether.
Do you have
any more tips for relaxing while traveling that have already worked for you, or
maybe other that haven’t ?
