Six vacation habits to keep all year long

On vacation, we finally allow ourselves to listen to our bodies. With no alarm clocks or tight schedules, we often wake up naturally, at the pace of our own biological clock. Listening to our circadian rhythm is one of the most valuable benefits we should include in our daily lives: it actually promotes restorative sleep and provides more energy throughout the day.

To maintain this habit, we suggest sticking to a regular schedule for going to bed and getting up—even on weekends! In the evening, take the time to slow down: turn off notifications, dim the lights, and create an environment that is conducive to sleep with a calm, dark, cool room.

For more on this, see the tips from our sleep care experts!

Far from the demands of work, vacation gives us a chance to feed our minds in different ways. We take advantage of the time to read for fun, listen to podcasts, or even do sudokus and puzzles.

These activities stimulate our brain in a positive and creative manner. To include them into your routine after vacation, consider keeping a book on your nightstand or downloading a few inspirational podcasts for your drives.

Over the last few months, we’ve also published a selection of books focused on mental health as well as a list of inspirational podcasts. They’re great resources that can enrich your daily life and fuel your personal journey.

On vacation, we more often take the time to enjoy our meals in good company. These shared moments fuel much more than our bodies: they strengthen our social ties and contribute to our overall well-being.

Even when we go back to our routines, we can often maintain this ritual. Planning some meals with intention and seizing opportunities to share them with family, friends, or at work help maintain this habit for life. And let’s take advantage of summer to opt for fresh, local, and nutritious foods!

On vacation, we more naturally disconnect from screens. Without constant notifications or professional emergencies, it’s easier to live in the moment.

To maintain this good habit, let’s give ourselves a few moments every day without our phones, especially before bedtime. Let’s take advantage of these moments to reconnect with those around us by swapping our electronic devices for more basic activities, like reading, creative hobbies, or just taking the time to think.

Moving often takes on another dimension on vacation. A walk along the beach or in the woods, swimming in the lake, a bike ride with no specific itinerary, or an outdoor yoga class. These movements, far from the pressure of performing, allow us to reconnect with nature and our bodies.

But moving outdoors shouldn’t be limited to vacation. Let’s take the time to go for a walk outside—in both summer and winter. You don’t need to go far: a neighbourhood park can do just the trick for a daily walk. Exposure to natural light and doing physical activity for fun have a positive impact on mood and contribute to maintaining physical health.

There is something precious about these spontaneous moments when we slow down: a few deep breaths while admiring a landscape, a moment of calm along the water’s edge, or simply sitting doing nothing. These micro-breaks, as simple as they are, are true breaths of fresh air during our very busy days.

Let’s take the time to create our own rituals: deep breathing between tasks, stretching during a coffee break, writing in a journal before bed… These habits or simple moments belong to us. They allow us to recentre ourselves and cultivate a calming feeling, regardless of the challenges of the day.