10 Ways To Sustain Holiday Health

Though there are some widely accepted periods set aside for vacations, there is no fast rule about it. Once the body is screaming for a rest away from it all, it can be any time. So you’ve escaped to a place of your choice for needed rest, the possibility is high that you rested and you are bursting with optimism and vitality for another long haul in the office.   The good news is that, while we may not promise that the good holidays feelings will last forever, you can keep the holiday high for as long as possible, thereby boosting your health and wellbeing in the process.  Here’s how:

1. Get Out of the Box

You know how spontaneous you do things when on holidays, but trickier when you have work and everyday commitments to consider which makes you plan an 8am to 6pm routine.   When you come back from your holidays, shake up your routine to recreate that carefree holiday spirit.  This means planning regular ‘me time’ for the weeks ahead.  For instance plan weekends away, gym classes, take up a new hobby, or just set aside relaxing nights with a nice movie and a chilled drink.  Whichever way you choose, plan more relaxing exciting changes into your daily routine to remove boredom.

2. Get More ZZZZ

Remember the extra hours in bed and the lazy afternoon naps during the holidays?  But as soon as we get home, it becomes more difficult to switch off at bedtime, with no space for daytime snooze. To help your body and mind wind up at night, avoid stimulating activities and rather do things that will help you unwind.  Try a cold or warm shower before retiring to bed, and if noise from traffic or snoring keeps you awake, wearing earplugs in bed could do the trick, or simply move into the spare bedroom.

3. Add Variety to Your Meals

When on holidays we become more adventurous with food, spurred on by the different tempting dishes and snacks everywhere.  The holiday feeling makes it easier to succumb to temptation, as you try this and that.  Moreover, since there’s no rush, there is the tendency to eat slowly, which also brings some enjoyment to the food, along with healthy balanced nutrients.  The holiday magic can be replayed at home by varying your diet.  Studies have shown that you could add four more years to your life if you eat food from the five food groups everyday – wholegrain breads and cereals, vegetables, fruits, dairy and dairy products, and proteins such as meat, nuts, fish, beans and peas.  Try following a diet of smaller portions of red meat, lots of vegetables and herbs (particularly onions, tomatoes and garlic).  Ditch butter for heart friendly olive and soya oil and plenty of oily fish, which is great for your heart, brain and skin.  You can treat yourself to a regular glass of red wine, which is rich in heart friendly antioxidants.

4. Make Resolutions

Holidays can be the start for new beginnings. A trip is where ideas often take shape for a new business venture, a new book, a new job or career.  Most people make dramatic life-changing decisions while on holidays. Just because you are home should not dim that momentum.  Be practical and continue to identify your goals, but be realistic.

5. Don’t Let Go The Holiday Glow

Many a times, people compliment your healthy and relaxed glow soon after your holidays.  We all know why.  No target chasing, no traffic rage, no stress, and no rush – everything was at your pace. Unfortunately, no matter how much we promise to retain that glow, two weeks after we allow stress to get an upper hand.  If you’re back from holiday with a healthy glow, you can prolong your holiday gorgeousness through good healthy diet, plenty of water and exercise, and of course calmness.

6. Share Time With Loved Ones

Holidays mean more time with families and friends and with it a sense of bonding and intimacy.  When you get back home, try to continue the closeness with family and friends.  For instance rather than go back into your routine of round the clock work, with no time for your family, make time to do something as simple as driving to a beach resort for a picnic, play a sport game together at a park or have a Sunday lunch in your garden.  The trick is to make sure you see the people you love and care for even when you are not on holiday.  They have a way of making you see things in a more positive light.

7. Hang on to Holiday Intimacy

Holidays can be a wonderful time for nourishing relationships.  This is because you spend quality time together and have more time to talk, which goes out of the window as soon as you are both back home.  Although it’s easier said than done to encourage the same holiday closeness when you get home, the secret of keeping that loving feeling bubbling is to devote same time to each other at home.  Try to touch each other more.  Hold hands, kiss, and hug.  Sounds obvious right? But it is easy to slip back into ‘intimacy only at night’, routine when you are both busy.  Couples who do things together have a better relationship, so try to make an effort.  It could be to see a film together, dance, or jog.  Also important is to keep stress at bay.  Take turns to give each other a stress-bursting massage after work

8. Soak in Good Memories

Many holidays have special unforgettable moments.  Keep them alive by displaying your souvenirs and photos where you can see them. Looking at your favourite photos is an ideal way to access memories and get a happiness boost.  Keep a shot of yourself and your family looking happy and relaxed on your desk at work for an instant pick-me-up.  Another way is to call up a new friend you had a good time with during the holidays. 

9. Choose Comfort Clothing

You know how you dress during the holidays; no frills, no fuss, just comfort.  It is doable to continue this comfort resolution at home.  By all means dress for your profession when you go to work, but as soon as you get back home, go for comfort.  Weekend is another great time to lounge in your casual clothes for the most exhilarating ‘home’ holiday experience.

10. Go for Outdoor Relaxation

You cannot wait to get out of the rented apartment or hotel when on holidays.  You leave in the morning and get back at night.  The outdoor is a great place to be when the weather is great.  You picnic outside, go on excursions, mini cruises, join carnivals, visit museums and shops. The list is endless.  Back home, the outdoor replaces indoors.   Mild depression can be relieved by being outdoors for as little as thirty minutes for fresh air.  Sunlight (not hot scorching sun) triggers the transmission of feel good chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, and producing vitamin D in the body.  The best time to catch some rays is before midday – morning light has the best mood-boosting effects.

Photo Credit: Creative Commons.