Vacation season is in full swing. Whether you are traveling to the mountains, lake, or beach, it’s the time of year when many of us are taking a much needed break from the daily grind.

I remember a time when the 2 vacations I took a year were the only rest periods my body and mind got. I would work out 5-6 days a week and still feel like I needed to work out certain body areas more. As gym junkies would say my “beast mode” was always on. I will admit that I was a bit obsessive about nutrition and working out, and it would consume me for weeks at a time, especially around doing fitness shows. For some silly reason I was always trying to obtain some perfect body that I know now does not exist!

Considering now that I’m in total acceptance (well maybe 98% acceptance) of my “flaws” and take time off on a regular basis, things have really changed! I have learned as I’ve gotten a little older (and I hope wiser), that my body and mind really does need downtime to have a healthy balance in life.

When you think of getting fit, resting is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Becoming healthy and fit definitely involves work. It involves a lot of effort, sweat and determination. But it also involves taking time to rest and relax. I like to call it taking a Rest and Recovery (R & R) session. To reach your goals, YOU NEED BALANCE: both hard work and R & R.

In our enthusiasm to lose weight and get fit, it is tempting to focus so hard on effort that we overwork ourselves.

Over training is not a good idea, as it brings undesirable consequences such as:

1. Feeling rundown and unmotivated.

2. Risk of Injury.

3. Fatigue and feeling unproductive.

Can you remember the last time you took a relaxing vacation or mini-staycation? If you can’t --- YOU ARE OVERDUE!

Taking time to relax as many days as you can each week is important, but so is taking a vacation each year. There is nothing like getting away for a while to refresh your mind, body and spirit. No matter where you are headed for vacation, it’s okay to take some time off and simply relax and heal -- even if it’s in your home town.

Try these tips to embrace your inner chill factor.

• Take some time by the pool.

• Sleep in.

• Take a catnap.

• Avoid stressful crowds and sight-see during off hours.

• Get lost in a book.

• Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the scenery.

• Go dancing.

• Laugh and have fun!

Your biggest cheerleader,

Nat

P.S. Send me a message or comment below about your great vacation or staycation this summer. I love to travel and would love to hear about fun spots to venture off to!

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#rest #vacation #recovery