Getting Away for the Weekend?

 

Are you taking a short weekend get-a-way to Chicago or New York City? Are you heading to an undisclosed location for an undetermined amount of time to escape the cold? Is your boss sending you to Houston and then to Indianapolis for various projects? Are you going to Las Vegas to visit Uncle John? Wherever your destination and whatever the reason for your leaving the comforts of home, don’t gamble with the progress that you have been making. Some of the greatest challenges that you may face as you change your lifestyle may await you as you travel. Some of you may love traveling and the potential excitement it offers.  Others may dread the notion due to some of the burdensome realities it presents. Like it or not, you are going somewhere. That somewhere likely means a potential break from your newly established daily routines regarding sleep, food, and physical activity. That somewhere is full of traps which might ensnare you while you are away.  I think that you need to know what to expect. I believe that you should be warned concerning the consequences of choosing poorly during your trip. I know that you will feel more confident if you are prepared. So, let us consider a game plan that will help you stick to the program, even though, your fear is that the program can’t travel with you. Let me assure you that there are no extra fees for carry-on health and wellness programs if you are flying.

I want to backtrack for a moment. I am prompted to address the underlying reason for my desire to share some thoughts on this particular subject matter with you. It is quite simply that I have seen far too many people lose the positive momentum which they have created when they leave town. That convention which takes you to a glamorous city, the family reunion which takes you back to your roots in your old hometown, or the work function which seems to be occurring more frequently of late, each present similar problems. So, my friends, students, and family members who have traveled to India, Croatia, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Arizona, California, Florida, London, Scotland, Ireland, indeed virtually everywhere, have so very much in common. No matter the distance traveled or the length of one’s stay, these trips seem to “trip” people up. The born-again exerciser returns having lost that faith which prompted the baptism by sweat in the first place. The D.I.E.T. enthusiast returns feeling terribly guilty and has all but forgotten the steps to repentance. You do not want to be in this position. I’ve seen a couple of days turn into a couple of weeks and then months before that faith is rekindled and the guilt is washed away. Sadly, some are stopped dead in their tracks upon coming home. For any number of reasons, they are unable to climb back aboard the healthy wagon train. Yes, they have fallen upon hard times and cannot get up.

To all the planning and packing that accompanies any trip, you are going to have to add a little more. It really isn’t such a big deal. I know that you never thought that you’d be panicking about this. How can you possibly fit some exercise into your already busy schedule? Certainly, for the first time, you are forced to confront your food demons before you embark. As in all things, the more preparation you put into this, the greater your chances of sticking to your plan. You will be mentally prepared to face the temptations to be lazy, and, therefore, do nothing, as well as to let your guard down, and just eat everything in sight. But, you have grown stronger than you think. Your desire has swelled up inside of you. Therefore, this effort to include healthy activities in your agenda while away, need not cause you to stress out. When I talk of preparation, I’m suggesting that you keep things very simple. You want to have an enjoyable time, don’t you? Believe me, I will not insist that you only book a reservation at a hotel that has a well-stocked fitness center. I don’t think it is even necessary for you to pay for a daily guest pass at an out of town gym. Find something to do that you won’t think of as some mundane chore like fitness training can be. Plan to include a fun activity or two while you are away. What is your idea of fun? Could it be dancing? Maybe, it’s hiking? Perhaps, it’s playing golf? Whatever the case, as long as you are moving, you are much less likely to experience a regression in your current physical state by the end of your stay. Even if it means racing through the airport to catch a connecting flight. So, go for a nice, brisk stroll while site-seeing or take a walk along the beach. Hey, are you game for trying something new? I think that would be a great idea to maintain the mindset you’ve developed. Camping offers many opportunities. What about horseback riding?  Skiing, swimming, bicycling, roller blading, playing volleyball, kayaking…any one of these sound interesting? Tennis anyone? How about bowling? Do a little research. Find out ahead of time what indoor or outdoor activities are popular, inexpensive, and easily accessible at your destination.

Do not forget to bring appropriate clothing and footwear with you. This advice may sound silly, but it makes for a convenient excuse to avoid any activity if you neglect the essentials in your luggage. Along with packing the necessary “gear”, you are going to bring some of your favorite pre-packaged “mini-meals”. This makes your transition seamless. You will not miss a beat since you will not alter your eating schedule. When I have ventured away from my humble abode, there is one place which is typically my first stop. It is called the grocery store. Whether I’m staying with family or friends, or in a hotel, I always make certain that I have what I need to fuel my activity. You are taking a gigantic risk if you solely rely on others for providing your nutritional needs. You have been learning to take control of this area of your life. Do not relinquish it to anyone else, even for a short period of time. You certainly can eat out at a nice restaurant. But, don’t think that what you do out of town stays out of town. No, it returns with you! I plead with you not to give in to pressure from those you are around. You have been choosing wisely and eating sensibly when you eat out! Why should this change just because you are miles from home? These situations can be viewed by some as acceptable “cheating” times. Trips offer many temptations. However, this is not open season for binge eating. Your license to kill yourself with poor eating habits has been revoked, remember? You took care of that yourself. There is no going back. You need not overindulge with the rest in order to have a good time. This is another lesson you have learned. “The past is where you learned the lesson. The future is where you apply the lesson. Don’t give up in the middle.”-unknown  For “out-of-towners”, staying up late is an imminent threat to your way of life. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. You know exactly what those late nights have led to previously. Let me remind you. A foggy brain in the morning equates to poor eating decisions. A sluggish, exhausted body prefers inactivity to putting its muscles in motion. Continue to focus on your well-being, and you’ll be one happy camper. Because, going out of town doesn’t have to bring you down!

photo credit: Southwest Arrival Board Airport Sign via photopin (license)