Striking Balance While Travelling

Travel presents countless new experiences and opportunities that we all want to make the most of. Yet when it really comes down to it, it's be hard to break a comfortable routine. Rather than stressing over lack of usual daily practices, or passing up the opportunity for adventure all together, here are 5 tips to help strike a balance that allows for both enjoyment and self-care during travel.

1. Removing Restrictions

During vacay, or really at any time, holding onto a restrictive mindset leads us to label things as “bad” vs. “good”. This applies to the foods you eat, activities, lifestyle choices, etc. I’ve found that in the absence of mindful practice, restriction and labelling of “good” vs. “bad” becomes a slippery slope, sending us into a cycle where we crave what we “can’t have". Meanwhile, having that forbidden thing starts to leave us with residing guilt or shame.

Why lose sight of the enjoyment that experience brings us when that enjoyment was the main reason we wanted it in the first place?

In my personal experience, I used to feel like I was walking on a tightrope with foods I’d allow myself to have. I’ve learned that labeling foods as bad or good didn't facilitate a healthy relationship with food, but instead lead to more restrictive thoughts and ultimately rid my enjoyment. Letting go of these restrictions allows for that healthy balance we’re always striving for and a whole lot less anxiety associated with it.

2. Hydration (with or without alcohol!)

If you’re like me and sometimes forget to sip on water throughout the day, make sure to carry a water bottle you love and even set a couple of reminders on your phone throughout the day to stay in check! Specifically, alcohol, heat, and lots of walking are a dehydrating combination but as long as you’re aware and go prepared, you’re more than good to go!

3. Supplements to Combat Fluctuation In Digestion

Arrive prepared with supplements to help combat potential bloating and indigestion associated with new foods, different water, increased alcohol intake, and long days of sitting for travel (see packing list & tips below for more on this!)

4. Carry Snacks

When traveling, we often spend long days out on our feet/ adventuring and can end up quite hungry by the time we sit down for a meal. To regulate energy levels throughout the day, keep some small snacks on you (protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, etc.)! This will also keep your digestion on track rather than shocking your system with larger meals xx

5. Life Is Meant To Be Lived

At the end of the day, ask yourself what you’d want to remember most. Stressing about what you ate, what you did, constantly searching for the healthier option? Or, enjoying the amazing Italian fettuccini Alfredo, the night you spent out until 5 am with your best friends in Ibiza or the ice cream you ate while walking the streets of Southern France? I know this is easier said than done. But if we can start to make little steps towards this mindset, it really does make a difference. Remember you’re not the only one working on this. I’m always with you striving for this balance too. Let's root for each other xo