Practicing self-care is hard when you don’t have the time. While there are ways to squeeze in some “me time” with a busy schedule, sometimes it still doesn’t feel like you ever have enough time to yourself. When life gets too hectic, planning a vacation where you can truly get away from it all might be the best thing you can do for yourself. Use this advice from Lewis Performance Training to help you plan the relaxing getaway you deserve!
Benefits of a Self-Care Vacation
Self-care can take many forms. It can be as simple as taking a bath, getting a massage or even taking a nap so that you’re getting enough sleep. In any case, Psych Central explains that the most important aspect of self-care is that it’s something you do deliberately because you enjoy it, not something you force yourself to do.
Self-care has countless benefits for your mental and physical health. Not only that, but it can also boost your productivity and creativity once you get back to your routine. And given that research shows taking a vacation is associated with a longer lifespan, there’s no reason not to plan a self-care getaway for yourself.
For entrepreneurs, a self-care getaway also offers ample benefits, especially for new owners of business ventures. These folks are under a ton of pressure thanks to a mountain of stressors, from registering their business with the state to marketing to keeping track of every dollar they spend. The same way it’s important to use vacation days offered by a company you work for to avoid burnout, it’s critical to step away from a new business, even if only for a long weekend. You’ll return feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on any challenges that come your way.
Pre-Trip Planning
Even though vacation can have many health benefits, taking a trip doesn’t automatically count as a form of self-care. Vacations tend to get packed with exciting activities, often leading to a trip that’s more chaotic than your regular life. Sadly, a vacation that’s too busy can leave you more stressed than when you left home.
A stress-free vacation starts during the planning phase. As you map out ideas, think about what you hope to get out of the experience. If your goal is self-care, be sure to plan relaxing activities and ample downtime. Keep in mind that even if your vacation will be spent at an all-inclusive resort, planning the trip can leave you feeling overwhelmed if you don’t take care of yourself.
As you plan, you’ll need to decide whether you’re going alone or taking someone with you. Solo vacations have countless benefits, and it might be worth trying even if you’re afraid. Most of all, traveling alone means that you don’t need to stress about what everyone else wants to do.
Planning also means budgeting. Affording vacation can also be a huge source of stress, but choosing a destination within your budget will help you feel calm before, during and after your trip. After all, few things are more distracting than worrying about money.
Many self-care vacation spots are found in beautiful, magazine-worthy locations; however, you don’t need to spend a small fortune to practice self-care. Millennial Boss points out that self-care retreats can also be found closer to home for less money. And if a long vacation is not in the cards, don’t discount the value of a weekend getaway or even a day trip to a local spa.
Getting Ready for a Self-Care Getaway
What you pack for a self-care getaway can also influence your enjoyment of the trip. Traveling light helps minimize stress, as there’s less to worry about losing and you won’t feel weighed down by your things. However, you can improve your travel experience by packing a few self-care essentials for your trip. And to keep up with your workout routine while you’re on your adventure, why not indulge in some new athletic gear? At the Trainer’s Gym, we love Born Tough and their sister company, Elite Sports. They offer high-quality clothing and accessories at budget-friendly prices.
Vacation should be a time to relax and unwind, but with the stress of planning and fitting in every activity, that’s sometimes not the case. When you plan a self-care vacation, it’s easier to get more enjoyment from your trip. By planning mindfully and picking your destination with intention, you can turn your next vacation into a true getaway.
Part of your self-care routine whether you’re home or away should be to treat your body well through exercise and nutritious eating. Lewis Performance Training is here to help you do just that through a variety of services, including individual and group training, nutrition coaching, and more. Give us a call at (469) 544-7991 or use this form to set up your free consultation!