What does relaxation mean to you?

It might be switching off from social media, rewatching your favourite Netflix shows, or a nice long soak in the tub. But if your usual method’s no longer hitting the mark, it might be time for a change of scenery. 

Booking time off and getting away can do wonders for your mood. But, if you still find yourself unable to switch off during a break, it can leave you feeling frustrated, making true relaxation even trickier. We want to help you enjoy moments of pure and utter relaxation during your break, so here are 5 steps for you to try to help you truly change your scenery.

1. Change up your routine
Alarm usually set for 6am? Try waking up naturally or treating yourself to a long lie in. Or if you’re a night-owl, why not cosy up and enjoy an early night with a good book?

Swap your scroll through the morning headlines for listening to a podcast, switch your breakfast coffee for a soothing herbal tea or even wear something which usually stays hidden in the back of the wardrobe. Making seemingly small changes to our everyday routine can really help get you into the ‘holiday’ mind set and embrace rest and relaxation. 

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2. Try something new
Tick something off your bucket list for the ultimate feeling of fulfilment. Whether it’s something adventurous like skydiving or something smaller like trying a unique spa treatment, we all have things we’ve always wanted to try but never got around to. Your time away is ‘you’ time and should be all about trying new, fun things that’ll make you feel good. 

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3. Do nothing
Don’t feel guilty about doing absolutely nothing. Our daily lives are all about being productive, so many of us forget that our body needs time off to do nothing at all. 

If you’re spending one day doing new things or ticking items off your bucket list, use the next day to catch up on sleep or just lay by the pool. Don’t tell yourself you need to start reading that new book or visiting all the local sites just because you feel you have to be doing something all the time.  

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4. Reconnect with friends & family
Relaxation doesn’t always have to mean being alone. If you regularly spend a lot of time by yourself, use your break to reconnect with your nearest and dearest.  

It might be someone you haven’t seen in too long or someone you see every day but never get to chat to properly Treat yourselves to a night out or catch up over Afternoon Tea – you’ll find your everyday stresses melting away after a few laughs with your favourite people.  

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5. Ditch your phone
What does your screen time look like? We all know we spend way too much time on our phones, but it’s too easy to have just one more scroll...  

While you’re away, why not take a break from your phone and pop it in the hotel safe. That way, you won’t be tempted to check your work emails or scroll social media You’ll be truly present and appreciate your time off.