5 Tips to Squeeze Wellness Into Your Next Vacation
By WISe Wellness Guild
(Even If You're Just There for the Drinks and Sunshine)
Vacation is a time to relax, indulge a little, and soak up every bit of peace we can find—but that doesn’t mean wellness has to take a backseat. In fact, slipping in a few small, intentional habits can leave you feeling even more restored when it’s time to head home. The best part? It doesn’t take much. Here are five simple, realistic ways to sneak in some wellness without sacrificing the fun:
1. Try Swapping a Non-Alcoholic Drink for Your Go-To Cocktail
Listen, I love a good vacation cocktail as much as anyone, but waking up foggy when you could be sipping coffee on a beach deck isn’t always worth it. Try mixing in a non-alcoholic option now and then—Athletic Brewing is my absolute favorite for this. The flavors are great, and your body will thank you in the morning. You’re still enjoying the moment, just without the hangover.
2. Do a Bodyweight Workout Right From Your Room
No gym? No problem. Apps like Peloton and iFit have hundreds of quick, equipment-free workouts that you can do in a hotel room, on the porch, or even by the pool. Even just a chair can turn into a barre class prop. A 20-minute workout might not feel like much, but it’s amazing what a little movement can do for your energy and mood.
Alex Morgan on the ifit App
3. Journal Instead of Doomscrolling
You’ve got a rare pocket of time to just be. Instead of getting sucked into Instagram reels or your inbox, take 10 minutes to journal. What are some intentions you have for the rest of your summer? What’s been weighing on you that you haven’t had space to process? Journaling doesn’t have to be fancy—it just gives your mind some room to breathe.
4. Clear Some Digital Clutter (Yes, on Vacation)
Before you roll your eyes—this one can actually feel really satisfying. Take 30 minutes one afternoon to delete old screenshots, clear out your email inbox, or read and respond to those texts you’ve ignored for weeks. We carry so much digital noise around every day, and letting a little of it go can create more mental clarity than you'd think.
5. Go Screen-Free for One Meal a Day
Challenge your crew (kids, spouse, friends—whoever’s with you) to a screen-free meal each day. No phones, no tablets, no scrolling. Just connection, conversation, and actually tasting the food in front of you. It might feel awkward at first—but it might also become your favorite part of the day.
The takeaway? Vacation can absolutely be a time to indulge, but it can also be a time to restore. You don’t have to do a full-on wellness retreat to feel good—you just need a few intentional moments. Your mind, body, and maybe even your camera roll will thank you.