Holidays are all about relaxing and escaping the daily grind – just what is needed to recharge our batteries. In reality, the sudden lack of routine means we often end up over-indulging and return home more exhausted than when we left.
So, To Tuscany has teamed up with meta-wellbeing expert, Susan Gardner, to offer tips on how to use a holiday as an opportunity to press pause on daily life and restore our equilibrium. Susan believes that stepping out of your familiar routine provides a refreshing and powerful way to interrupt daily habits. Holidays can bring a welcome new perspective, providing a different focus for your attention.
Here are 15 ways in which you can take advantage of the time you have to listen to your body and mind.
1 Every morning ,when you wake up, allow yourself 10-15 minutes of quiet contemplation, focusing your thoughts on gratitude for everything that is good in your life.
2 Regularly do a quick body scan, identifying areas of tension and concentrating on letting your muscles soften and relax.
3 Give your skin a gentle dry brush before washing and follow a hot shower with a blast of cold water.
4 Regularly sip water, preferably filtered.
5 Drink hot water with lemon 20 minutes before eating.
6 Eat protein for breakfast.
7 Ensure you fill your plate with a rainbow of coloured food.
8 Try to eat alkaline foods such as cooked tomato, fish, broccoli, spinach, mango and papaya.
9 When you have a moment, write or draw the negative thoughts that are in your head onto paper. Then destroy the paper.
10 Notice and understand your feelings, breathing in calm and breathing out tension.
11 Try to interrupt negative thoughts and focus on what you do want.
12 Be present and alert to the moment.
13 Consider your personal space and adjust it for pleasure and comfort – seeking solitude and stillness if needed.
14 Aim for a minimum of two hours of exercise a day – cardiovascular and gentle.
15 Visualise a dial that you can turn down to lower stress levels.
To Tuscany has a fantastic range of villas with wellness centres.
