Summer Vacation Recovery

Today was the summer solstice, also known as the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, at least in sunlight hours. This first official day of summer means that many of us are headed on vacation - if not physically, then perhaps mentally!

For those lucky enough to make a getaway to somewhere outside of your home environment, deviating from your everyday healthy activities like exercise and preparing your own foods isn't the end of the world. Have fun and enjoy the time with the people you're with! (Though, if you want to try some exercises in the sand, here are some suggestions.)

We all know, however, that when you physically return home from vacation, your mind sometimes lags behind. Case in point: I went on my honeymoon to an all-inclusive resort where I fully took advantage of lots of delicious food and adult beverages, and formed a permanent indention on my back where it rested under a tiki hut for a week. I learned the hard way that calories DO count when you're on vacation.

Tips to re-focus on your healthy lifestyle after vacation:

• Don't sweat the past. Instead of panicking over a weight gain, just move forward to fix it. You can't change the past, so there is no use in making yourself feel bad over it. 
• Schedule activities upon your return. Make a date with a friend to walk at the park or go for a jog.  Schedule time on your calendar to get back in your regular workout routine.
• Hydrate. No matter how well we maintain healthy eating and activities during vacation, traveling is notoriously bad for water retention. Carry your water bottle with you wherever you go when you return home and chug away.
• Sleep. Have you ever thought to yourself: "I need a vacation to recover from my vacation!?" Make sure to catch up on rest if you're feeling a little run down. This is especially important if you've hopped time zones.
  

What tips do you have for getting back on track with your health goals after vacation?