What to do after an indulgent vacation

You just got home from a vacation. Perhaps it wasn’t as balanced and healthy as you had hoped. You didn’t exercise. You didn’t walk much. You ate... a lot. You drank a lot more alcohol than usual. I mean it was an all inclusive amiright?? The margaritas & happy hours were calling your name!  Does this sound familiar? You may be feeling guilty, bloated AF, and not so good in your own skin right now. Don’t stress my friend, here’s your post vacay protocol!

1. First off, be kind to yourself

This is so important. You’ve just had an amazing time with your friends and family. Why let guilt and shame and self hate into your life? Grab a piece of paper and write down 3-5 things you’re thankful for about your trip. Then write down 3 things you're thankful for at home. Clean drinking water from the tap? Your own bed? Your pets? Practicing gratitude will help you feel happier and get over those post vacay blues quicker. So you can get back to being yourself faster. Reflecting on the trip allows us to savour the happy memories a bit longer too.

2. Don’t weigh yourself

Trust me, your weight will be up. Whenever you eat more than usual, eat in restaurants, drink alcohol, or all the above, your weight will go up. Your body is retaining water from all the excess sodium and carbohydrates. Water retention can make a person's weight fluctuate by as much as 2 to 4 pounds in a single day. This does not necessarily mean you’ve gained fat. So don't freak out. 

3. Water is your best friend

Go ahead, drink ALL the water. Your body is retaining fluid because it may be dehydrated. You most likely did not drink that much water when you were travelling around. Water improves kidney function, allowing excess water and sodium to be flushed out of the system. Water also helps your liver perform its best. Your liver is your body’s natural detoxifier. You should make it your full time job to drink water. Aim for 3 to 5 liters a day.

4. Don’t miss that first workout back

This is usually a rough one. You’re going to feel out of shape. You’ll be gasping for air. You probably won’t be able to lift as much. You probably won't be able to last as long. Do it anyway. This is key to getting back into your healthy lifestyle. The more you delay this first workout, the harder it’ll be. To make it easier on yourself: take a class where you don’t have to think about anything. Find a friend to meet you at the gym. Or, repeat a favorite workouts you’ve done. Protip: schedule in a class before you leave on your trip. That's your future self looking out for you. 

5. Get back to your healthy eating habits

Go grocery shopping right way. Prep your food. Eat all the veggies. Eat protein with each meal. Eat like your normal healthy eating. Don’t go on a crash diet. Don’t do any cleanses or detoxes-- that’s why we have kidneys and a liver.

6. Sleep

Who else is Team No Sleep on holidays? Adequate sleep helps to regulate the hormones that control appetite and satiety. GO. TO. SLEEP. If your schedule allows, go to bed without setting an alarm and allow your body to wake when it wants too. 

7. Patience

Depending on how long your vacation was or how much you over indulged, it could take a few days or up to a couple of weeks to get back to your pre-vacay self. Keep plugging away. Stick to your normal healthy eating habits. Keep at it and you'll be feeling yoself again in no time.

​Do you suffer from post travel blues? How do you bounce back after vacation? Comment below and let me know. I'll add your tips to my post! We're here to help each other and I love hearing from you.

xo,

​Mya 

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