My clients always teach me so much. I had the honor of massaging a 70 plus-year-old gentleman who is taking off to ride his bike across the mountain peaks of Europe. He talked about how in years past. He’s always just pushed through to make that athletic achievement happen.
This year, his body is forcing him to take it a little slower.
He’s going to stop and stretch, and smell the flowers. He’s going to find hot springs. He’s going to nurture his soul with breathwork. As I think about his epic journey and the self-care he’s going to give himself along the way, it reminds me that vacations don’t have to be an escape, not in the way most of us are used to.
It’s typical for us to drink a little more, eat a little more (maybe a lot more), and try to experience things we’ve never done before. What if you used your vacation time to just start one self-care habit that you’ve been thinking about? I often share that movement is not meant to be a mantra, but rather a mixtape. We are not optimized in a rut. Continually bringing in new experiences creates growth and development. We never arrive. It is about the journey, and a vacation destination slows life down, and it’s easier to try new things that enhance your wellness.
On my last trip to see a friend in Kansas City, I went barefoot walking in the grass, danced at the airport for 45 minutes while waiting for my ride, practiced sitting in “primitive chair” (squatting on the ground) for about an hour a day. Which, by the way, totally strengthens your hips and legs and stretches your whole backside. Can’t say enough about how much that is helping. I drank my protein and collagen in the am without needing to put it in a smoothie. Just being in a new place, stimulates you to problem solve in different ways.
I also spent time working my lymph with dry body brushing. Besides all of that stimulation for my physical body, I went to morning prayer, engaging in a religious tradition that is not what I would typically choose. Incense and chanting prayers only served to elucidate and inspire my own spiritual journey. My friend and I started working through the Bullet Journal Method book. I got far enough to be able to start on mine on July 1st. You’ve probably heard of this method for creating intentionality through organizing your life on paper.
I’m inspired now to declutter my life. I have a method for decluttering my thoughts. I had precious time with a friend, made up some new stretches and new dance moves. I’m ready to return to the daily grind and figured out some ways to make it feel more like I’m on a trip when I return home.
What if you used your vacation time, the seasons when you pack up your possessions and head out for an adventure, to introduce new things into your life? What if instead of a hangover, you wake up to watch the sunrise and dance on the beach? As Richie Norton quipped, “Intentional living is the art of making our own choices before other’s choices make us.”
7 Self-Care Tips While You’re Traveling
- Break up the trip. If you are driving, plan some hikes or never before experienced stops.
- Move your hips. I like to simulate walking while driving long distances or put on the cruise control, turn up the music and dance (while seated and driving responsibly) those miles away. The steering wheel is also great for some upper body work. Get creative and make those muscles work. Sitting still really hampers your circulation.
- Dance. Dance in the rain if possible
- Sleep in.
- Go to bed early. Watch the sunrise.
- Try out your inspirations. Be as childlike as possible.
- Learn new movement routines: Awesome Youtube channels: Yoga With Issi, Essentrics, Human Garage, Breathe with Sandy
New vistas. New visions. New inputs.
Our brains can learn at the same rate as a newborn baby IF we expose ourselves to new experiences. We often live life as a mantra. Get up, have a cup of tea, do the workout, pack your bags for your busy day, and then go do all the things that you do to make the world a better place in the community. Whether that’s cleaning toilets or brokering deals or building things, we’re all busy. Out of the “busy,” we can start to create and imagineer things we never thought possible.
Vacation is a practice. How you choose to use that time will transform you for the better. And maybe vacation teaches us how to staycation well. I can’t wait to hear about my client’s bicycle trip or how you chose the health & wellness upgrade option for your vacation. You can happen to your body, mind, and spirit. They don’t need to happen to you.
