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Like many things, planning ahead to stay healthy on vacation is key to having a great time that you don’t need to recover from upon your return. In fact, being deliberate about physical and mental health structures while on vacation can help spark new habits which may be integrated in the long term.

For example, on vacation while eating out at restaurants one may take advantage of the fact that their meals are readily available and decide to eat only fresh and natural foods while declining simple carbohydrates and desserts.

If you plan to camp for vacation, you might decide to start smoking less and exercising more by hiking, walking or biking. Becoming deliberate about drinking more water in order to not become dehydrated on vacation may be the start of an intention to drink more water or even make water your beverage of choice when you return home. These habits may become the start of a whole new lifestyle upon one’s return home.

I went camping recently and was actually surprised at how good I felt even though I was out in inclement weather without access to modern amenities. For me, it seems that my high protein food intake, drinking lots of water (with Emergency-C packets), applying sunblock, prayer and dancing to support the Sundancers attributed greatly to me feeling fantastic without dips in blood sugar, energy and mood. Each person knows what works best for them. Planning to bring foods and items that work for you on these types of excursions can make all the difference. Making a list and planning ahead as usual seem key.

Some may feel during vacations that they are at the mercy of relatives or friends who may not be as committed to diet, exercise or positive choices as they are. We can always eat more of the healthier items being offered and limit the unhealthy. We might offer to purchase and make natural foods for our family and friends one evening or prepare a dish for each meal. We always have choices in our environment which may go a long way to sustaining our sense of well-being.

A commitment to mental health can be just as important as attention to physical health. Bringing inspirational books, listening to inspirational CDs, taking time alone (perhaps a long walk) and devoting at least a few minutes each day to meditation or yoga (5 minutes in the morning and 5 before retiring at night can work miracles) can go a long way to grounding and centering. On vacation we may be especially cognizant of seeking and even restoring balance to our minds, body and spirits.

Resting as much as possible can also help vacations to be healing. I know for many of us a long nap is the height of luxury. If possible, have some else watch the kids while you get some needed rest.

Many people are now pursuing vacations with meaning or volunteer vacations: http://collegecandy.com/2007/10/15/give-back-volunteer-vacations/ We may want to think about how we may give back and bring awareness to the needs of the communities we visit.

In any case, enjoy your vacation even it is just 30 minutes on the hammock in the backyard (one of my favorite luxury get-aways!).

Jeanine Austin, Ph.D, C.ht © 2010
Life Coaching and Hypnosis Worldwide
http://www.SimplyDivineSolutions.com