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When we take holidays, we like to take the opportunity to get some much needed R&R. Now, don’t get me wrong this is very important for our mental and physical health, however, it can also play a negative role if taken to far. All too often I see clients return from their holiday with complaints of increased soreness or new problems altogether, usually the result of very little activity, or none at all. I always recommend to pick some activity that you enjoy doing and try to implement this in your daily activities while on holidays.

Some examples are swimming in the pool or ocean, go for a walk around town or down the beach (a great way to go sightseeing), or, for the more adventurous, go for a hike in a nearby park, forest or jungle! (Just make sure someone knows where you are going, and don’t go alone). For those who aren’t as active on a daily basis, I suggest to take the above activities and scale them back. Walk in the pool, go for a shorter walk down the beach (or make sandcastles), take a bus tour, but choose to walk for a short portion of it.

A simple stretching routine that can be done in the morning before the day really gets going is a great way to start the day off right!

Whether you are travelling by plane stand often, and walk around the plane when you can. If you are on a road trip, take frequent stops and get out and stretch. This is also a great opportunity to see some sights that you may have never thought about before!! For long-haul trips use a neck pillow to prevent the dreaded “head bobble”, thus reducing the risk of neck pain!

Here are a few of my favorite ways to keep active while on holidays:

• If there is some kind of viewpoint or waterfall, I will hike to it!
• If there is water, I will swim in it!
• A self-guided food tour of local cuisine on foot
• A massage is a great treat while on holidays
• Find a relaxing spot (preferably with a great view) to do a quick 15-30 minute stretch routine first thing in the morning

Use the amenities and surrounding that you are in, sometimes you just need to get a little creative! It’s amazing what you can do with a set of elastabands and your own body weight! Or ask your massage therapist or physiotherapist for some stretches and strengthening that we can give you that suits the environment you will be in.

Karen Martens, RMT