Holidays are not a luxury, they are a necessity. As the old saying goes, all work and no play … you know the rest. Your holiday time is a chance to disconnect from the stresses of life and take care of your mind and wellbeing.
So when you are planning your next holiday, use these tips to ensure your break is as stress-free as possible and be kind to your mind.
1. Choose The Right Accommodation and Location
Sometimes holidays can be more stressful than work and life situations you are trying to take a break from. If peace and serenity are what you crave, accommodation in the middle of Kings Cross in Sydney or Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast might provide more stimulation and stress than you bargained for.
Select both a location and accommodation where relaxation and self-care are the priorities. Places like Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley where you can have all of your needs attended to, enjoy local wineries, and not have a care in the world.
2. Minimise The Use Of Your Phone
The average Australian spends 5.5 hours on their phone. That is before you factor in other screen time including computers at work and home, tablets, and televisions. Do you really need to stare at a screen while you are on holiday?
Invest in a traditional camera and leave the phone behind as much as you can. Engage with the people and places around you and enjoy the moments rather than trying to Instagram them. You can do that when you get home.Â
If you are traveling with the family, try and get everyone to ditch their phones so you can re-discover your bonds and relationships. Try to do the same if you are traveling as a couple or with friends. Not only will you enjoy your destination and surroundings more, but you won’t be getting constant reminders of the “real world” while you are trying to relax.
3. Take a Staycation
Perhaps you need a rest but you don’t have the energy or inclination to travel any great distances. In the same breath, you probably don’t want to just stay home on your break – especially if that is where your current stresses lie.
There is a perfect middle ground, a staycation. Get to know the city you live in through the eyes of a tourist. Book yourself into luxury accommodation, dine at the fancy restaurants, organize a massage or spa treatment – whatever is going to help you unwind and improve your wellbeing. It is the perfect solution, all of the self-care benefits of a holiday with none of the hassle of traveling.
4. Get Back To Nature
Over the past few decades, travel has shifted from urban centres to rural and regional communities. There are many opportunities in Australia to stay on farms and homesteads in rural communities which presents the perfect opportunity to truly get away from it all.
These farm stays give you the chance to get away from the city and get in touch with nature, clean living and interact with animals. You can learn about how our food is produced, support local farmers, and enjoy all of the self-care opportunities that nature presents.
Both mental and physical health can be improved by spending time with animals. In reality, a 2019 review of various animal-intervention programs found that stress levels, pain levels, and anxiety levels were reduced.Â
Also Read: 7 tips to be happy, Alone!
5. Head To The Beach
Just like animals are proven stress relievers, being near water (especially the ocean) has been proven to have positive impacts on health and wellbeing. The best part of the beaches of Australia is they can most be visited all year round.
Even down south where the winter chill bites, you can enjoy unique experiences like the penguins of St Kilda in Melbourne. You don’t need to go to heavily populated beaches like Bondi either, there are gorgeous beaches located in small towns and communities all along the east and west coasts of Australia along with Tasmania and South Australia.
6. Start Your Self Care Before You Depart
Never head away on holidays feeling under duress. Your stress levels are likely to travel with you and you won’t get the maximum benefits out of your holiday time.
A good way to start feeling good is to look good. Treat yourself to a new haircut, some new clothes, a manicure and/or pedicure or whatever form of self-care floats your boat. Take the time to feel refreshed and confident before packing your bags for your big holiday. You will go into your break in a better frame of mind and your holiday will be more relaxing as a result.
7. Plan Your Holiday Carefully
If you are stressed, all of the details involved in booking a holiday could possibly make that worse. So be kind to yourself, start early, and take your time.
Ask friends and family for helpful suggestions, or download a planning app. Don’t set unrealistic deadlines on yourself, this is your holiday and it should be a genuine chance to unwind and take care of yourself.
