Holidays are fabulous no matter what. But there are a few things you can do to maximise your enjoyment and boost your relaxation barometer. "Holidays are about nourishing your mind, body and soul," says lifecoach Lisa Phillips.
"You want to try as many new and different things as possible while still indulging in those passions you've always loved."
So what's the secret to making your holiday go from great to totally amazing? Well, there's a few and we're willing to share.
Tantalise your taste buds:
When visiting new destinations you'll find a huge variety of tastes and textures on offer, so be adventurous! Try kangaroo or Peking duck and splurge on a nice fruit cocktail by the pool. To ensure you stay healthy throughout your trip, go for brightly coloured fruit and vegetables which are high in antioxidants. Make sure you try the regional dishes and find out how they are made so you can take a bit of your holiday flavour home with you.
Our suggestion: delicious cooking schools
Get outdoors:
Warm weather, time on your hands and long sandy beaches are the perfect incentive to get moving. Take a walk along the beach at sunset, go for a bike ride to see the sites if you're staying in a small town and participate in resort activities on offer like water aerobics, yoga, volleyball and waterskiing. If you're eating a meal, opt for an outside table and breathe in the fresh air. Sea air boosts your serotonin levels which will send your mood and enjoyment factor through the roof. Also sleep with a window open. Just listening to crashing waves is thought to affect the brain in much the same way as meditation which lowers blood pressure and anxiety levels.
Pamper your body:
Sand is a natural exfoliate and going barefoot along the beach will work wonders on the dead skin on the soles of your feet. The minerals in seawater will condition your skin so try and swim in the ocean rather than the pool. Sunshine will also help to clear up skin problems such as adult acne and psoriasis, but don't forget to slip, slop, slap. If you have the time and money, book yourself in for a massage. Not only are they relaxing, but if done professionally they can rid your body of toxins. Just make sure to drink heaps of water afterwards.
Get cultured:
No matter where you decide to rest your suitcase, whether it's a few hours drive from home or a plan trip away, make sure you immerse yourself in the local culture. Visit community festivals and markets, eat in less touristy restaurants and talk to the locals. It will give you a greater understanding of the way different people live as well as a broader perspective on your own life. It will also help you meet new people.
Rob, 28, says that when he visited the Northern Territory earlier this year, he made a real effort to see and experience life like the local Aborigines. "They were happy to talk to you, show off their art and point out great places to see," he says. "I came away from that trip with so many great photos and funny tales to share with friends on my return. I think it made me cherish my time there so much more because I don't just have the stock standard Uluru memories."
Flick your fret factors:
Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and while that may sound like a given, you'd be surprised how many people forget this. Often we spend the whole time worrying about work, feeling guilty for eating such a huge breakfast and stressing about seeing every last landmark. To truly relish the experience, take the first day of your holiday just chilling out. Sleep in, laze around, start a good book and get a massage to put you in the holiday mode.
Secondly, turn off your mobile phone and ban laptops from the trip altogether — you need a complete break from everything back home.
Thirdly, every time you feel slightly anxious, stop, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. And most of all do what you want to do and not what you think you should. Let go of guilt and buy that pair of shoes or have that extra hashbrown. After all, if you can't splurge and indulge while on a holiday, then when can you?
Rearrange reality:
If you've had a great time away and feel ten times better for it, why not consider what changes you could make to life back home so the benefits don't all vanish overnight? Resolve to keep exercising, think about making those dishes you enjoyed on your holiday, spend more time with the positive people you missed while you were away and pick up a hobby — perhaps something you discovered you liked while on your vacation.
Home