Vacations: How to control excesses?

Vacations arrive, and it feels like there’s never enough time for everything. We want to make the most of them, visit all our favorite restaurants, socialize more, drink more, sleep more, indulge in ice creams because “it’s summer”… Today, we’re going to explore how to maintain balance during vacations so we don’t lose our minds come September.

Let’s start with the first step: awareness. Reflect on how you’re eating, drinking, socializing, sleeping, etc., during your vacation. Remember, guilt only serves to make you feel bad, so let’s analyze things with perspective and a sense of proportion.

Identify where you might be going a little (or a lot) overboard. For example: “I’m eating way more bread than usual. Normally, I have it for breakfast, but now I’m eating it at lunch and dinner too.” It’s okay to allow yourself some freedoms, to indulge during this time of rest, but without completely disregarding limits. Otherwise, when “back-to-school” time arrives, you might find yourself stressed and anxious to shed the extra weight gained over the break. In this case, what could your limit be while still enjoying yourself? Could it be cutting back to eating bread at most twice a day instead of three times?

This isn’t about constant self-restriction; it’s about being aware of your behavior. Sometimes we turn a blind eye and let ourselves go—and that’s okay! Summer is a time for treats, of course. But if you’re someone who feels bad about their body upon returning home, I recommend following this plan:

1. What am I overindulging in this summer?

2. Can and do I want to set a limit that helps me feel better?

3. How can I eat a bit healthier while still enjoying some treats?

4. Make mindful choices about your food, drinks, exercise, etc.

5. Can I add some extra exercise to balance out my indulgences? For instance, walking more?

   
   

Vacations are meant to be enjoyed, to come back relaxed. And if you return with a little extra weight, don’t panic. Instead of dwelling on your overindulgence or getting upset, make a plan, set some boundaries, and be consistent with your decisions.

The purpose of this post is to help you enjoy your vacation to the fullest while setting limits and being mindful of how you’re treating your body, fostering a balance between physical and mental well-being.

Image by Freepik

Melinda Sánchez Coach

www.melindasanchezcoach.com