Travel is an incredible way to reconnect with ourselves through the lens of a new environment. Perspective is powerful. And with a little intention, you can turn any trip into a mini wellness travel experience.
Whether you set out on your trip with the desire to hit the reset button on life, or just find yourself feeling unsettled and ungrounded during your trip, here’s a simple, do-anywhere mind, body reset routine to enrich your escape.
A Simple Reset Routine for Travelers
This plan was written as a morning routine before you head out on the day’s adventures, but it can be done any time of day that works for your itinerary. While it’s best done all together (each step prepares you for the next) it can also be broken up if that works for you.
1. Wake up to a blank slate
Get a good night’s sleep the night before. Wake up slowly and get as much natural light as possible right away. Before you get out of bed, grab a pen and paper and write down anything and everything that comes to mind. This is not for reading, so don’t worry about spelling or if it even makes sense. The purpose is to clear your mind and heart.
2. Awaken your energy
If there’s a physical activity you love doing that makes you feel alive and inspired afterward, do it now. If you aren’t able to, or want to try something new, try a soul-inspiring exercise, like kundalini yoga or dance, that will help you tap into your inner energy.
Try these:
Easy Kundalini Yoga Practice for Beginners
This definitely feels more woo-woo than your typical Westernized yoga practices, so keep an open mind.
305 Dance Fitness Full Body Workout
If something a little spicy, fun and high-energy feels good right now.
3. Ground yourself in nature
After you’ve woken up fully and are feeling good, get outside in nature if possible, even if it’s a park or small patch of grass. Try what the Japanese call shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” It’s not as literal as you might think; you’re won’t be swimming in the woods. It simple means to experience nature mindfully through all of your senses. Stop to smell the roses, literally. Listen to the rustling of leaves. Hear the insects chirping. Feel the softness of grass on your feet.
4. Give your mindset a boost
By now you should be feeling a lot more clear-headed then when you started. So it’s a good time to nurture your mind with a book, inspiring podcast or meditation. Read or listen complete focus.
Try these:
8 Inspirational Podcasts for a Soul-Searching Trip
Free guided meditations on the Insight Timer app
5. Tune in with journaling
After you’ve had a chance to move your body, get outside and open your mind, spend some time going inward with self-reflection journaling prompts. Hint: This is where the magic happens.
Write down your answers to these questions:
Where are you feeling stuck? What’s preventing you from moving past it? Is that something you can control? If not, how can you let go? If so, what will your next move be?
What makes you feel most alive? How can you incorporate more of that in your daily life?
What about your destination inspires you? Is that something you can cultivate more of at home?
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Travel Journaling
6. Explore mindfully
Here’s the best part about doing this reset routine while traveling—seeing the world from a new perspective. When you’re out and about exploring, stay mindful. Don’t rush from attraction to attraction. Take time to wander and make meaningful observations of your day. Think about what your life would be like it you lived there. What daily rituals would you enjoy? What discoveries can you take home as mental souvenirs?
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