Relaxing holidays – top tips to unwind and relax on holiday

Recent studies show that only 53% of working people come back from holiday feeling rested and rejuvenated and on top of that 30% say they have trouble with work stress while they are away. With 24-7 access to laptops and smart phones people can’t find a way to relax and lying on a beach simply doesn’t cut it anymore.

Here are 10 top tips to ensure that you come back feeling totally refreshed and rejuvenated from your next holiday:

1. Learn something new
One of the best ways identified to get back your much needed break and really switch off is to learn something new on holiday – anything from adventurous surfing holidays to culinary classes. Learning something in a new place can be more relaxing and refreshing than trying to do nothing. If you can only sit on a beach for 15 minutes and then think “OK, what’s next?” then a learning holiday is the best thing for you. People really switch off and leave their work behind when focusing on learning something new. Whether it’s an adventurous scuba diving holiday, learning to take amazing photographs, cooking, or learning a new language – there is something for every interest. Meet like-minded people on a holiday that inspires you.

2. Breathe!
Meditation and paced breathing helps you to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which works to balance the surges of adrenaline and cortisol that accompany stress. Learn how to focus your mind on the present moment and observing your surroundings and own feelings without making judgments. Find out more about our meditation holiday here

3. Enjoy raw food and juicing
Experience the effects that healthy, fresh ingredients have on you and focus on a long-lasting health and wellbeing. Raw food and juices are excellent for increasing feelings of peace and calmness and they will make you feel mentally energized and ready to take on anything when you come back from this holiday! While treating your body to excellent vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients they will improve your mood and give you an amazing mental outlook.

4. Relax with yoga
Yoga has become more and more popular in the last years due to its amazing health benefits. It increases your flexibility, strength & stamina and elevates feelings of peace & wellbeing. Try out relaxing yoga classes on the beach or other stunning locations, which will give the perfect balance to your body far away from all the stress.

5. Get active!
Sport releases endorphins in our system for hours making you feel amazing. It also burns off adrenaline and cortisol. If you haven’t been active for a long time, a holiday can be a good time to start. “We really weren’t meant to sit at a desk 12 hours a day,” says Dr. Edlund, who recommends that vacationers alternate periods of “food, activity and rest.” Have a look here for our sports holidays on offer.

6. Indulge in Spa treatments
What would help you more to relax than an exclusive spa holiday? Schedule yourself some “down time” and escape from the stresses and pressures of daily life during holistic exercise, soothing massages and spa treatments. In general, massage and spa treatments are believed to support healing, boost energy, ease pain, and enhance relaxation, mood, and well-being. In the workplace, it has been shown to melt away stress and enhance mental alertness. Cleanse your mind and body with one of our spa holidays!

7. Get walking outdoors
Studies have shown that 17 minutes of walking outdoors daily and so called “green exercise” (physical activity in natural settings) is enough to increase feelings of calm and well-being more than exercising in a gym. When was the last time you went for a walk to enjoy the natural surroundings? Go out and focus on nature with our nature walking holidays.

8. Prepare delicious food
Instead of thinking what you shouldn’t eat, think about enjoying the things you cook and eat. By learning how to prepare delicious meals with the company of a cooking group and focusing on what you get to eat, you will feel more satisfied and less deprived. And when you get to the dessert, there is nothing more soothing than the smell of cake or apple pie wafting out of the oven! Have a look here for our wide range of cooking holidays.

9. Get creative!
Studies have shown there can be a direct connection between painting and a reduction of stress levels. Clinical art therapy is commonly used by therapists for individuals affected by anxiety or stress. Painting and creating art is a good way of distracting your thoughts from whatever is causing your stressing or anxiety and many people find that a painting session enables them to have a clearer line of thought, which later helps them deal with problems and help put them into perspective by expressing their creative side and developing painting skills. Relieve your stress with a paintbrush on one of our painting holidays.

10. Switch off on holiday
Turn off your phone and laptop and stop checking your work emails to really relax on a holiday. Instead, turn on your camera and go to capture the beautiful landscapes of an untouched area and lost locations on a holiday that is off the grid. Just enjoy nature for a while and watch the waves, or the clouds, flowers, birds, animals – whatever you’ve got.