How to Have a Mindful Vacation

Whether dipping your toes in the aquamarine waters on a sandy beach or enjoying the forest views in a mountain cabin, vacations are the perfect time to unwind while creating beautiful memories with your loved ones.

But did you know that vacations are also a great opportunity to practice mindfulness? Think about some of your favorite memories from your last get-away. You were probably fully present, taking in the world around you with all your senses. You could smell the freshness of the forest, hear the chirping of the birds, and bask in the pinkish-orange hues of the sunset. Show your love for nature with the Lunar Grizzly Bear T-shirt!

You weren’t worried about what happened yesterday or how you’re going to take care of tomorrow. You were simply flowing with the moment. Perhaps you felt awe, wonder, and joy in your heart. You didn’t even know it – but you were immersed in a true experience of mindfulness.

Just as a vacation can help you experience more mindful moments, there are also ways to intentionally bring mindfulness into your vacation. This can make your planning and travels less stressful no matter how far you have to go. Plus, as you experiment with these tips, you’ll be able to strengthen your mindfulness practice so you can take that feeling of relaxation back home with you.

Disconnect from devices

A vacation is a great time to unplug from your phone and laptop. Instead, use the chance to fully connect with the people, nature, and culture around you. If you’re in the habit of reaching for your phone every opportunity you get, you miss out on the sensory experiences that are often in front of you. 

Make sure to set an out-of-office message at work so you don’t have to worry about checking emails while you’re out. Take care of any bills or responsibilities before you leave home so you don’t have to worry about administrative tasks while lying out on the beach.

Before you leave your room to go on a hike or to explore a new town, ask yourself if you have to bring your phone with you. If you don’t, leave it in the room. If you do need it, try to use airplane mode when possible. Only use your phone for what you intended to use it for, such as calling, taking photos or using your navigation app. 

Change up the pace

Are you a go-go kind of vacationer? One who always has a plan and tries to see as much as possible? Why not see what it would be like to change things up by going slow? Perhaps subscribe to our Youtube channel for relaxing guided meditations?

Spread your planned activities out over a more extended period of time. This may give you a chance to experience your surroundings on a deeper level. It can also take some stress off trying to arrange everything ahead of time.

If, on the other hand, you tend to stay in one spot without doing too much exploring, try to add some new activities to your trip. Ask locals for tips on their favorite scenic spots, hikes, or restaurants. Notice if there’s any discomfort around trying new things. Feel the sensations that arise without judgment. This will allow you to become more aware of conditioned ways of being and mental patterns that may be blocking you from being fully in the moment.

Invite surprises by going with the flow

Rather than looking up what to see in your new destination or where to go for dinner, give yourself the gift of just going with the flow. If you’re in a new town or village, stroll around with no destination in mind. When you get hungry, stop at a place that feels cozy and appealing.

If you’re on a hike or out in nature, don’t give yourself a time limit on how long you’ll be out unless you have to do so for safety reasons. Allow yourself to explore new paths, lay down in the grass for a short nap, or hug a few trees along the way.

Listen to your inner instincts about where to turn next and follow your heart. Let yourself get lost. You may discover cute little streets or paths that you would’ve otherwise never found. This is a great mindfulness practice in trusting and letting go.

Practice mindful eating

Nothing pairs with a beautiful new vacation spot like tasting its flavors through local cuisine. Especially if you’re somewhere you’ve never been before! Whether you go out to eat or buy fresh local produce to cook up your own creation, use these times as an opportunity to practice mindful eating. 

When you sit down at your meal with friends or loved ones, be intentional about slowing down as you eat. Notice all the colors on your plate. Savor the smells. Feel the texture of the food as you bite into it. If you’re engaged in conversation, chew slowly as the other person is talking.

Bonus tip: Look into the eyes of the people you’re with. Express gratitude for your food together. Take your time to soak in the scenery around you. Go to a local cooking class to learn some new local recipes.

Enjoy mindful movement

Are you planning to go on a hike in a beautiful state park? Or maybe to play some beach volleyball or another sport with friends? Perhaps you’ll have an opportunity to join a yoga class wherever you’ll be traveling. Either way, anything that involves actively moving your body can be an opportunity to practice mindful movement.

Before you start the activity you’re about to embark on, set the intention to pay close attention to the subtle movements in your body. You can do this even when going for a short walk as you explore a new area! Can you feel the muscles in your legs activated as you take a step forward? 

Try a mindfulness practice like a body scan meditation to help prime you for what it feels like to sense into each part of your body. Then as you’re stretching, running, or playing that sport, bring that same sense of curious and non-judgmental awareness to your muscles, tendons, and organs. This mindfulness practice can help ground you when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed. 

Reducing stressful travels and bringing it home

Because traveling often means catching planes or buses, unexpected delays or difficult situations can arise. The way to handle these is to make a decision ahead of time to not let these circumstances shake you out of your core.

Notice the emotions that show up when you miss the last bus or your plane’s been delayed by 20+ hours. Bring full awareness to the sensations of frustration or anger. Know that this too shall pass…and when it does, you’ll be even stronger for it.

Want more tips for how to practice mindfulness in everyday life - whether on vacation, at home, or at the office? Sign up for a free consultation with a Stress Management Mentor to learn how to let go of anything that prevents you from fully immersing yourself in each precious moment of now.