Vacations are meant to be relaxing, aren’t they? However, the moment you get to the airport, you’re going to be stressed and tense and in a rush! Even when you give yourself extra time to get everything ready on time. If you’re like me, you will find the whole ordeal of heading away to a supposedly relaxing destination to be just that: an ordeal. Can you change that for your next trip away? I think so! Here are three ways to bring that feeling of calm you’re looking for into the holiday with you.
Take the Trip Slower
Living slowly – it’s the modern version of living the dream! I’ve written about slowing down for wellness before, and these tips will never be more useful than when you really need to get away and unwind.
If you want to have a stress-free airport experience and vacation, take it one step at a time, don’t let yourself be in a rush, and practice breathing techniques whenever you start to worry about where you should be and when.
Break out a game of spider solitaire while you’re in the airport lounge and sit back – you don’t have to queue up to board until you’re called! Install a meditation app on your phone and have a few lessons downloaded and ready to listen to while you’re at the gate.
Taking things slow means letting the chaos run out ahead and then standing up to follow it. Set the tone by applying this principle in the airport and then go from there.
Book a Flight That Actually Suits You
Booking an early morning or late night flight is usually cheaper, and allows you to have a full day to spend at your destination or back home once you return. Maybe you’re already thinking about going back to work with a jumpstart, running some errands like going to the supermarket, unpacking or getting the house cleaned. Well, stop right there! This is a relaxing vacation you’re trying to plan, so make time for it. Don’t jump back into the routine the minute you land back home.
Instead, book a flight time that actually suits you. Head out on a flight at a time of day when you’re awake and have had the chance to get a good night’s sleep. Come back on a flight that’ll help you stay in the groove without jet lag getting the best of you. And if you miss the flight? Don’t sweat it! There’ll be another along soon that’ll also suit you.
Keep Phone Use to a Minimum
One of the main things stopping you from relaxing on vacation is the phone you’ve got in your pocket. It’s always buzzing and ringing and the social media apps are right there – it’s next to impossible not to check!
But try not to. If you want to relax, cut out the rest of the world. Keep the phone in your pocket or in your backpack or cross body bag and just experience what’s going on around. It’s OK to experience new things without taking photos of it!
So, is it possible to have a more relaxed life while on holiday? While it might take effort, yes!
