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Original poster

Tips to relax on holiday

32 replies

Pollyannalola · 23/06/2023 02:33

I am in a very privileged position in that I am going away to Mallorca for 5 days alone next week. I am so so bad at actually relaxing. I want this holiday to be different, I need it to be. I have been so stressed lately, and need some tips how to really and truly enjoy this break.

I find myself often thinking what a perfect holiday looks like. Packing clothes and make up and shoes I don't need or wear. Taking books I don't read because I have my phone and scroll through all the same crap I do at home. Worry about my husband who is fine with me going (he couldn't get the time off) and my elderly father and my dog who doesn't seem too well and I just don't want to waste this opportunity when it wasn't cheap and I've said I really do need it for a mental break from working from home.

Or i think I'm "bored" sitting by a pool or on the beach and take a bus into the city when deep down I think what I need is to be by the water and truly relax. I love city breaks but they are tiring and not what the doctor ordered right now.

Any tips extremely appreciated on how to truly switch off and enjoy my time on this gorgeous island.

Aware also this is a first world problem and I am lucky to get away in these times. Would just love to really make the most of it this time and not just say I will.

OP posts:
CanOfGerms · 23/06/2023 02:39

In the same position, on day 3 of my first holiday alone, after very stressful events.

I've found it hard tbh. Massage has been the only thing that has actually properly relaxed me. One earlyish in the day helps to make the rest of the day relaxing. Plus leaving phone in room and taking kindle instead out and about.

I am a bit bored and lonely though.

MaggyNoodles · 23/06/2023 03:17

I had a solo holiday earlier this year and loved every minute of it. I had plans for each day but in the end just ignored then and went with the flow.
Give yourself lots of time to do nothing if that's what you need, but keep an eye out for opportunities that you wouldn't take if you were on holiday with other people.
I didn't do anything to unusual, but what was nice was not having to make allowances for any one else, and not having to listen or talk to anyone else for a few days. I did a lot of sleeping, and I really enjoyed the quiet.

Ylvamoon · 23/06/2023 04:01

I think the trick with solo holidays is that you need to be content with your own company.

  • Leave your phone in your room (or on silent buried somewhere in your bag).
Do a mixture of activities and just sitting down with your book.
  • Go for a long stroll on the beach or a lovely swim ... join an excursion to see wildlife/ natural beauty spots or even historic sites if you need company.
  • Not sure where you are based, but the North of the island is great for hiking!
I find being out in nature very calming, I also find being physically tied (from hiking) gives me the best, relaxing sleep!
  • make sure you eat enough good food- stay away from that full, bloated feeling.
Having loosly set meal times is great if you like snacking!
  • when I am on my own, I also get up early and go to bed early....

Anyway that's what I'd be doing.

Zippedydoo123 · 23/06/2023 04:41

Find time to spend with animals as they are much simpler purer creatures.

I hope you have a lovely break op. It can be very difficult to slow down.

SnackyOnassis · 23/06/2023 05:29

I second a PP about massage - I try to get a massage or facial or some treatment on my first day of a holiday, it helps to relax in the moment, gets me off my phone for an hour or so and then I feel all glowy for the rest of the break.
I also try to do things I can't do with my phone on me, like even walking around the pool or sitting in whirlpool type tings with a book, anything that means I'm not just doomscrolling in a different climate!

Enjoy the break, sounds like you need it!!

Mercurial123 · 23/06/2023 05:42

Join a day tour. Looking at Viator there are a few. No idea if it's close to where you're staying. Connecting with people and sharing a meal is great.

Tips to relax on holiday
madroid1 · 23/06/2023 05:52

Activity that physically relaxes you will help you mentally relax.

Maybe do a bit of yoga or tail chi outside to bring yourself into the present and forget wotk/home demands.

I think a good book makes all the difference!

madroid1 · 23/06/2023 05:57

CanOfGerms · 23/06/2023 02:39

In the same position, on day 3 of my first holiday alone, after very stressful events.

I've found it hard tbh. Massage has been the only thing that has actually properly relaxed me. One earlyish in the day helps to make the rest of the day relaxing. Plus leaving phone in room and taking kindle instead out and about.

I am a bit bored and lonely though.

Ah I hope you manage to have an enjoyable time @CanOfGerms

I think boring can actually be quite good for you occasionally. It certainly makes you rest mentally.

If you're feeling a bit lonely hopefully you'll get into conversation with people and it will take the edge off.

Sauvignonblanket · 23/06/2023 06:08

When I go away I try to go swimming as quickly as possible, especially if it's in the sea.

Moopsi · 23/06/2023 06:20

I think you need to get away from the idea of a "perfect" holiday. I've done this before and found that if I invested in thinking that my holiday must be perfect (based on completely normal reasons like really needing it, looking forward to it, having spent money on it, feeling grateful for it, wanting to get the most out of it) it meant that I was constantly questioning everything I did and whether it could be "improved" somehow or second guessing every decision I made.

Maybe start each day with meditation/mindfulness/relaxation self-hypnosis tracks on YouTube and try to put yourself in the mood of taking things as they come and not over-planning things. Don't put any pressure on yourself to do anything you think you "should" do. If all you feel like is sitting by the pool with a book or watching the world go by there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. When you've been stressed you need to give your body and mind time to wind down and sometimes doing nothing and even being bored is actually really good for you.

Try not to view it as "must achieve ultimate relaxation" as its just like when you can't sleep. If you focus on absolutely needing to go to sleep it makes it much less likely that you will actually sleep due to the pressure to do so.

Lcb123 · 23/06/2023 07:00

Agree with “PP”, don’t put pressure to have a perfect holiday. Nothing’s perfect. Turn your phone off, get a massage early on, and just do whatever you feel like each day . I find I’m more relaxed when I’m physically tired from exercising so could you do a hike, longer swim or something else sea based I’ve kayaking? Or bike ride?

TheNewMeToday · 23/06/2023 07:17

Hello, fellow perfectionist. I can’t sent you my dally outfit planner spreadsheet if you like to help with packing. Seriously, sounds like you just need and break and it’s great that you have your own needs to consider only. I would focus on mission wellbeing for 5 days, drink water, sleep in the shade, swim for exercise, walk-in the morning, eat healthy 80% but have some treats. No pressure to be perfect but each action is a winner. People watch for entertainment.

TheNewMeToday · 23/06/2023 07:17

Can send you

LlynTegid · 23/06/2023 07:23

Leave your phone at home. If there is someone who might need to contact you because of someone's sudden ill health, leave them the hotel phone number.

loopyloutoo · 23/06/2023 07:24

Have some time away from your phone. Check in with family in the morning and then leave it and take the book. I never fully relax if I have my phone with me!
It sounds like bliss!

BarbaraofSeville · 23/06/2023 07:32

Where in Mallorca are you staying? Even on a relaxing holiday, it's probably worth making sure you do a decent walk or two each day (not miles and miles but just to get moving and stroll around, appreciate the surroundings, go for a coffee, ice cream or a beer and tapas etc).

Definitely swim in the sea each day.

If you're concerned about losing your relaxing time to your phone, could you buy a very cheap non smart phone and put your SIM in there, so you won't worry about people not being able to contact you in an emergency?

https://www.argos.co.uk/product/1480083?clickPR=plp:1:1

For food, if it was me, I'd have a late breakfast each day, then go for a walk. I'd get lunch while out and about, then go to the beach, maybe rent a sun lounger with a shade and have a siesta on the beach. I probably wouldn't eat a full evening meal after a decent lunch but I'd get cheese, nuts, olives etc and eat these with cava or pomade (gin and cloudy lemonade) on the balcony/terrace and go to bed early.

If you're staying in/near Palma, get the train to Soller one day - I think it's easier to get the bus back as there's only a few trains.

Original poster
Pollyannalola · 23/06/2023 14:46

Thank you, these are all great responses.

I know the island well so I'm not stuck for inspiration on what to do, more getting out of that mindset that I'm wasting my holiday If I don't do enough.

But it's my mind that really needs the break and some serenity so the reading, walks, swims and yoga are a good idea.

I've travelled alone before and enjoy my own company, like I say its more I don't want to be on my phone, checking emails, aimlessly scrolling. I would like to be a bit more present and mindful. And take advantage of being by the sea.

Any other ideas of good ways to relax are welcome. Thanks

OP posts:
Moopsi · 23/06/2023 22:44

Have you tried painting by numbers? I've found it a godsend when anxious as it's impossible to be anything but mindful. Might be tricky to pack though!

gypsytrampandthief · 24/06/2023 08:34

I find a proper swim in the open ocean very therapeutic, I can only stand this for short periods in the U.K. but in Mallorca where the water is much warmer I would take a long leisurely swim and feel much more at peace after, would this work for you?

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 24/06/2023 08:41

I find the sea so relaxing in itself . Find yourself somewhere to sit where you can see the sea, take your book so you can switch between reading and just looking at it. Or if you want to be active a walk along the sea front , the beach or perhaps go for a swim.

MiniCooperLover · 24/06/2023 08:47

Love a solo holiday, I try to do one every year. This year a friend is coming with me which will change the dynamic but she is a great travel companion and also likes to chill and just relax and read books, drink wine by the pool and sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. I make sure I've got a sea view so I can stare at the sea and it helps my mind switch off. Just don't overthink it and you'll have an amazing time.

Begonne · 24/06/2023 08:53

Do you relax by moving or by sitting still? Do you need stimulation (doing/seeing things, meeting people, eating new food, trying new restaurants ) or do you need less stimulation (quiet, predictability, the same restaurant over and over because you love it)

Let go of the shoulds of other peoples version of a great holiday and figure out what your individual profile is.

Libraryloiterer · 24/06/2023 09:00

Get in the sea, eat gorgeous wholesome food, masturbate, siesta, listen to podcasts, go for massage. Heaven.

concertgoer · 25/06/2023 00:22

Pollyannalola · 23/06/2023 14:46

Thank you, these are all great responses.

I know the island well so I'm not stuck for inspiration on what to do, more getting out of that mindset that I'm wasting my holiday If I don't do enough.

But it's my mind that really needs the break and some serenity so the reading, walks, swims and yoga are a good idea.

I've travelled alone before and enjoy my own company, like I say its more I don't want to be on my phone, checking emails, aimlessly scrolling. I would like to be a bit more present and mindful. And take advantage of being by the sea.

Any other ideas of good ways to relax are welcome. Thanks

My idea of the perfect relaxing holiday would be a book a day …. Or 3 over 5 days, maybe a wander, definitely a swim for an hour a day & a compulsory siesta!!
I’m not keen on the middle of the day heat, so under a big tree in the shade, or even indoors in the air con with my pjs on to sleep properly sounds like bliss!!

then I’d enjoy the early mornings (not too early mind!) & a bit if sensible night life!

Emmaheather · 25/06/2023 16:41

Pollyannalola · 23/06/2023 14:46

Thank you, these are all great responses.

I know the island well so I'm not stuck for inspiration on what to do, more getting out of that mindset that I'm wasting my holiday If I don't do enough.

But it's my mind that really needs the break and some serenity so the reading, walks, swims and yoga are a good idea.

I've travelled alone before and enjoy my own company, like I say its more I don't want to be on my phone, checking emails, aimlessly scrolling. I would like to be a bit more present and mindful. And take advantage of being by the sea.

Any other ideas of good ways to relax are welcome. Thanks

Someone once told me that the mind has a mind of its own. I think if you ask it (your mind that is( to pipe down it's likely to argue back! Mindful walking, yoga, Lise yourself in a good book etc. Be gentle with yourself and accept your mind may well be busy, but you can still rest.