Travel Habits
Three weeks into my initial five week stay in Nicaragua I pushed my flight back four more weeks. I fly home in a few days after a total of nine weeks spent in a new place, surrounded by new people, and new experiences.
What did I learn?
After a few days I realized if I was going to long-haul it I had to implement a routine, so I pulled out my calendar and got to work. I needed to create order to my days, as best as I could, so I wouldn't lose all my good habits on the beach somewhere before heading home...
Five ways I've maintained a winning routine while on an extended working holiday:
Weekly Planning: Sunday nights, just like at home, I sit with my calendar and plan the week ahead. Even at a slower pace with fewer obligations, I pencil in workouts, yoga classes, walks, visits, work, groceries, etc. Nothing too small or simple to put on my calendar, if it's written down I'll show up for it.
1 Hour Daily Walk: During my first month I woke up earlier, and would hit the beach for an hour straight. Over the past month based on my work schedule and sleep patterns I found two 30 minute walks easier to accommodate. I walked everywhere, and even declined rides up the mountain just so I could get a harder walk in.
Food Before Coffee: Coffee on an empty stomach means major hormone dysregulation, and for the last year or so I've tried to move it out of first place in the morning. At the very least a piece of fruit and cup of water must come before coffee, if not an entire breakfast.
20 Daily Laps: There's a pool on site here, and even though 20 laps isn't much, it's something. If I miss a day, I double down on the next. I started out with a regular home workout routine, and decided after a few weeks that I wanted to swim instead and make the most of a season where I have access to a pool. It's been a worthy trade.
Gratitude Journal: It's been a while since this habit has been a part of my routine, but I thought I'd add it while away simply because I had the time. It's been a regular part of my evening wind-down time, and a welcome addition to my routine. It was easy to be grateful on the beach, in the sun, feet in the sand daily, I might need this habit even more when I return home!
These were just a few of the staples that kept me in line during a time that could have looked very different, if I'd allowed it to.
Remember that while travelling or on holiday that is important to implement as many of your life-giving habits from home into your time as possible. You can still have an awesome getaway, with tons of fun and tasty food, without setting yourself up to have to re-start when you get home.
Get your hands on the FREE Sowing Tomorrow Planner Pack, here! It includes the exact weekly planner I use.
