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The holiday season is right around the corner. While sunscreen and vitamins might feel like a chore when you’re on holiday, reframing it as self-care might just do the trick. So, here’s how to make this holiday the most rejuvenating one yet.

The most important minute of your day
There’s nothing that really comes close to spending a long, lazy day at the beach. It’s running straight to the water and cooling down that’s one of life’s great pleasures. But, before you dive into the waves, take a minute to apply your sunscreen. It’s perhaps the most important minute of your day. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 (SPF 30) is essential to not only preventing skin cancer, but also premature aging.

Snack yourself healthy
Holidays often include family feasts that consist of indulgent treats and big, hearty meals. And you know what, go for it. You only live once, and big indulgent meals every now and then are fun. But it’s what you do the rest of the time that matters.

While sugary snacks or fast food are the easiest option while on holiday, incorporating healthier options into your holiday routine is the easiest way to stay healthy. Fresh fruit, nuts, and whole-grain snacks like crackers are the perfect healthy holiday munchies. The cheapest and best self-care you can do is to drink enough water during the day. Whether you’re at the beach or in the bush, the harsh South African sun will dehydrate you quicker than you can say “hey, this raisin was a grape just a moment ago”. So, while you’re soaking up the sun, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Carry a reusable glass or stainless-steel water bottle with you wherever you go so that you can refill it as needed. 

The balancing act
While the goal of most holidays is to relax as much as possible, you can feel even more rested and revitalised by incorporating some form of physical activity into your routine. It doesn’t have to be anything serious or strenuous – walk to the beach instead of driving, a quick morning swim, or a hike along a nature trail are all perfect options.

Best of all, physical activity can also help manage stress and improve your mental wellbeing. Something we could all do with during the hectic holiday period.

Make sleep a priority
Even before the holiday period, a lot of people have a big sleep debt (number of hours of sleep they need versus what they get, which accumulates over time). Getting enough rest is crucial for maintaining your physical and emotional health.

Create a calming bedtime routine. Disconnect from screens, read a book or listen to soothing music or the sounds of nature. This will help your body and mind unwind after a long day and fall asleep quicker.

These simple self-care tips can turn your next holiday into the most rejuvenating one yet. From beach days to family feasts, taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

References: 
10 tips to reduce stress and take care of yourself during the holidays. UC David Health. 2023. Available here.
How to have a stress-free holiday: 16 holiday self-care tips. Calm. Accessed 2024. Available here.
What Is Sleep Debt? WebMD. 2023. Available here.