The Art of Relaxing on Holiday

Hellooooo lovely hoomans!

Going on holiday is meant to be the pique of relaxation right?! It’s your official time off from all things work and stress related, you’re totally allowed to just kick back, sleep all day, eat what you want and finally read that stack of books you’ve let gather a small layer of dust.

The only problem is, so often people go on holiday and aren’t able to fully relax because of travel stresses, work frustrations or even just general exhaustion. So how on earth are you then meant to truly relax on holiday?

I’ve spent my last week at the beach and let me tell you it has been truly rejuvenating! I’ve read two books – and I’m talking fiction novels not academic textbooks – done lots of snorkeling, had maybe a bit too much sun time and generally just got to relax with my boyfriend and family. 

It’s been an amazing chance to get away from uni work and start to unwind my frazzled brain, so in the spirit of relaxation I thought I’d share some tips for embracing the art of relaxation while on holiday.

Be organised (unironically)
This may sound counterproductive to be organised to relax, but it is the only way to facilitate your peaceful holiday. Getting everything organised ahead of time will help you avoid unnecessary stress. So before I left, I got as far ahead as possible on all my uni essays and deadlines, had my travel all mapped out so the only thing I had to worry about was getting to the airport. That way, I had nothing hanging over me during my holiday, so I could truly relax. I promise I’m not just an organisation nerd – it’s a thing that saves lives (well … at least in my view).

Digital detox within reason
So for some, having absolutely no tech on holiday is the best thing since sliced bread. Digital detoxing is the key to your heart and hey I get you if you just need some space between you and your device. I’m avoiding my laptop for exactly that reason. But for some, having a digital detox causes more stress than it prevents and that’s not what you want. There’s no issue with being on your phone for a bit, checking your socials or work emails and that sort of thing. Just try not to get so sucked into your tech you forget to actually be on your holiday.

Calories don’t count
This is a bit of a weird one but it’s important to note – if you want another cocktail or glass of wine, or if you’re eyeing that dessert menu, you are on holiday and deserve to enjoy it!! If you’re going to spend the whole time worrying about your calorie consumption and severely limiting your drinks or food (unless of course it is for your own personal or health reasons), then that kind of defeats the enjoyment of being on holiday. This doesn’t mean going overboard, but having a dessert instead of a salad, or enjoying that extra drink is perfectly okay and I encourage you to do so!

Catch up on your z’s
Excursions on holiday can be great fun – they are exciting and interesting, provide some great photo opportunities and hey they let you say you did something with your time besides just ‘relaxing’. However, you don’t want to get home from your holiday feeling the same, or more exhausted than when you arrived. You’re off the clock, so forget the clock and take the time to catch up on your sleep and rest. Sleep in, have the occasional early night, or even have an afternoon siesta (nap) – your body will thank you when it gets caught up on all the sleep you’ve been missing.

Do what you want with your time
Holidays mean something different to everyone and it’s vital to remember that. For my mom, she loves to keep busy and have the day full, reading her book for an hour then going for a walk, or a swim, then maybe seeing some sights and more. For me, I can just as easily enjoy a holiday if it’s packed full of activities or if I spend the entire day reading a book. So remember to think about what you consider a relaxing time, and just do that. Sit in the sun and listen to music for hours, write your book, read that pile of books or magazines you’d abandoned, go running miles or for extreme hikes. At the end of the day if it’s something that allows you to unplug and unwind that you really enjoy … well I don’t know if there is a better definition of relaxing?

And so there you have it!! Holidays can be few and far between, so when we get them it’s super important to make the most of them and truly just relax and destress. I’ve certainly been attempting that, although the threat of returning to the grind of submitting my final essays is now looming. I hope everyone enjoyed this post – please don’t forget to give it a little like, and if you have any tips you’d like to share about relaxing, or even how you relax on holiday, let’s chat in the comments section.

Until next time, stay sparkly everyone!

Lots of Love
Blondey on a Mission xxx