Staying on Routine While on Vacation (and Not Feeling Guilty When You Don’t)

Ah, vacation— though they may seem like a reprieve from the day-to-day, they can (for some reason) become stressful in their own, fun-filled, go-go-go way. That said, a certain pressure I often associate with vacation is feeling the need to stay on routine.

Whether it’s a fitness, work, or other routine, here are some practical tips for staying on routine during vacation (and not feeling guilty when you don’t, because you know, it’s vacation.)

Sometimes (well, most of the time), on vacation I just want to relax. That’s what it’s for, after all!

Simple ways to stay “on routine” on vacation (with healthy eating habits, exercise, etc— but only if you want to)

While hanging out at my family’s beach house in Outer Banks this week, I’ve found a few simple ways to stay on pace with health and fitness things (when I want to— and eat all-you-can eat crab legs and butter when I don’t want to— woohoo!)

• Bring groceries from home to avoid eating out for every meal (this also helps save money!)

• Laying by the pool? Do a plank or two while alternating tanning positions (but only if you want to.)

• Take a long walk on the beach (or in the new town you’re exploring), or bike around to find something new (and get in some light exercise.)

• Don’t. Make. Yourself. Feel. Guilty. If. You. Just. Want. To. Do. Nothing. On. Vacation. At. All. After all, it’s your vacation and you went on it for a reason.

Don’t feel guilty for not staying on routine on vacation— it’s your time to relax, after all

At the end of the day, vacation is meant to encourage relaxation, maybe adventure, and in general, a break from “normal” life. You deserve rest and relaxation any time, but especially when you take time to deliberately get away and enjoy time somewhere else.

All in all? Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and enjoy being in a home-away-from-home for a little while (no guilt needed.)

Xoxo, MM.