Health and Wellbeing Expert reveals how to avoid holiday burn-out

With half of Brits expected to head off on their summer holidays this year after a few quiet years, there have been reports of significant travel chaos.

But chaos isn’t a word you positively associate with your summer holiday. So, while the airport staff shortages and potential delays might be out of our control, what can we do to ensure our trip is as relaxing as possible?

Health and Wellbeing Expert Stephanie Taylor of StressNoMore reveals her top tips for ultimate relaxation on your break.

Plan, pack and check

According to a study, a key contributor to holiday-related stress happens during the planning stages, with two-thirds worried about forgetting travel documents and a large percentage worried about packing and not getting to the airport on time.

To avoid forgetting any essentials, start packing for your trip at least one to two weeks before you set off, so you can weigh up clothes, toiletries, medication, or other essentials you have and what you might need to buy.

And with reports that queues are causing travellers to miss their flights, it’s best to arrive at the airport three hours before take-off to ensure you get through check-in and security with plenty of time to spare.

Additionally, while it can be stressful to know where to start, travel planning has been known to boost mood and mindset. Familiarise yourself with the area you’re staying, such as local attractions and things happening.

Being extra prepared will give you a sense of comfort and reduced anxiety. And, if you run into any unexpected dilemmas, you’ll have plenty of time to ensure everything is in order before you jet off.

Go with the flow

While it is a good idea to familiarise yourself before going on your trip and have some things planned, it’s best not to stick to a stringent plan – especially on the first few days. That’s because your blood pressure rises on the first day of travel and stays high for the next two days.

Instead, allow your body to adjust to a different pace of life by turning off any alarms you might have and waking up naturally, and opt for spontaneous activities rather than a strict daily schedule.

Plus, relaxing in the sun will increase your serotonin, which can reduce feelings of depression or anxiety.

Turn off notifications

It might be tempting to document every single special moment from your trip, but the pressure to keep everyone back home updated on your trip could create added stress.

Similarly, checking up on things back home, like social media and work emails, stops you from living in the present and enjoying your holiday and could lead to burnout and eventual resentment if your time away is spoilt by something happening miles away.

Try and have a digital detox while you’re away by limiting your screen time to a few hours a day to allow you to completely relax and make special memories you can look back on with fondness.

Eat and drink well

It’s part of the overall holiday experience to enjoy a good selection of food and drink – it’s a great way to experience another country’s culture and explore new cuisines.

Today, many people have such a fast-paced lifestyle, so we are forced to eat on the run, making mealtimes less enjoyable.

Experiencing every aspect of your dining experience, from the taste, smell, and touch of your food and the social side – will eliminate stress from mealtimes.

However, try not to overindulge in unhealthy foods and monitor your portion sizes. It’s great to treat yourself but overdoing it will likely leave you feeling worse when you get home.