Holidays are a time to treat yourself. When you’re exploring a new place you want to be able to go with the flow and embrace impromptu moments as they arise. And so you should. The trouble is sometimes coming back to reality after such an enjoyable trip can be a bit of a shock to the system – and getting back on track can seem like a huge challenge. If you’ve been over-indulging, don’t stress. With a little motivation and discipline, our simple steps will help you ease back into your routine and may even see you pick up some healthier habits along the way.
Eliminate the temptations
When you arrive home, you want your first meal to start getting your healthy eating back on track. And the best way to do that? Eliminate any temptations. Your first grocery shop should be filled with fresh produce. Try to avoid any treats – whether you’re vice is sweets, cheese, chips or other naughty indulgences – take the mindset that if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind! If you’re concerned you won’t be able to hold out, why not try a grocery delivery service, and avoid any last-minute checkout temptations. But remember, a sweet here or there is not the end of the world. If you’ve slipped up, don’t punish yourself, just try to focus on the next healthy choice or lifestyle behaviour you can make.
Start a schedule
Sometimes fitting in exercise, time to cook healthy meals as well as work and family commitments, can seem a bit overwhelming. So making a schedule of when you plan to exercise and what meals you are going to eat for the week can be a helpful way to make things seem more manageable. Identifying when you plan to exercise and for how long will help you keep the commitment. Planning your meals will give you a focus for your grocery shopping – and remove any ‘what am I going to have for dinner’ questions.
Drink lots of water
Dehydration can feel like hunger. While your body may be crying out for water it can tempt our brains to snack or eat more than you should, throwing off your eating plan. The best way to ensure you’re getting enough water in your day is to simply monitor your liquid intake. Instead of going by the glass, get yourself a water bottle with a clear measurement, and keep track of how many litres you’re drinking. Keeping hydrated will also help with your energy levels, so drinking more water will help keep you from feeling fatigued if you’re ramping up your exercise regime as well.
Take the opportunity to make a healthy change
With a new and revitalised focus on your health, why not take the opportunity to introduce some new healthy habits into your routine as well? Whether it’s trying a new exercise activity or class, trying to cook at home more often or simply improving your sleep routine – use your motivation to cement something into your life and watch how it improves your mood and energy levels.
All trips must come to an end. And for some of us that means facing the challenge of getting back into a healthy routine. Following our simple steps will help get your mind in the right place, and your body will soon follow.