AIBU to ask for your tips on maximising a family holiday for wellbeing

[NotSureNeedSomething]

Okay so this may or may not seem odd
Going for a family holiday 14 days
Me, DH, DC, my parents, my siblings and their kids - all kids 6-8yo
Ive been working hard, 60-80 hrs, mentally challenging/emotionally challenging role alongside study.
Also a carer for an elderly relative.
I want to try and make the most of this holiday in terms of wellbeing, rather than doing my typical indulgence and gaining 7 lbs.
I am one stone away from goal weight so bigger than I want to be as well.
My ideas so far are:
-try swim every day
-try not to eat rubbish carbs that seem exciting but make me feel grim
-trying to live in the moment with DC and family as usually I’m running from one thing to the next

anything else to aspire to/any good tips for returning from holiday glowing/revived and maybe less bloated?

Make sure DH is on board and backs your decision even if he intends to stuff himself.

Walk after meals.

Proper swimming ( lengths ) or paddling about ?

Book yourself some time in the hotel spa/nearby spa! With a lymphatic drainage massage to help with any bloat… Sounds like there are plenty of people to look after DC and after working those hours, some real downtime for you sounds important. Even if you don’t ’do spas’ a couple of hours to yourself with a light lunch would do you a world of good!

Thank you, @tanstaaflDH will be on board - we will try take it in turns between us, maybe me doing mornings at gym/pool early, and then him going late evening? However he will struggle to be on board for food as he is slim/athletic never gains weight and loves all things food which is one of his favourite things about holiday so I may have to work hard on this. Walk after meals is a good shout, and usually yes I’d just be paddling about but might try recruit my sis and mum to some proper swimming early on.

@SoScarletItWaslove a spa and funnily enough have booked myself a manual draining massage just before we leave. Visiting a spa is a good idea our hotel has one on site so could be a good plan

Singing and dancing! Good for the soul.

💕 not one I’d usually go for as I’m quite reserved/shy but I can see how that would be freeing

Nobody there will ever see you again 😉

Unless you spend the whole time in your room or a bar, you will naturally improve your wellbeing by being in a place that is either coastal, surrounded by nature, or both.
So make sure you take time to really be present in the environment. Gaze at the scenery, breathe the fresh air, feel some sun on your skin and relax. Go and look at local art and history if that's your thing, and experience it without being distracted. It's good for the soul.
Then move as much as possible. Walk about lots, swim and dance.
Try to structure your days around experiences not meals.
Eat fruit or veg before you start on the carby treats to dull your appetite and get your vitamins loaded up.
Lastly, if you like a drink, go easy. You've paid good money to experience this place with these people, so experience it with a clear(ish) head. Your body will thank you.

If you can, book a clean of your house for when you come back. If the cleaner can also change the beds & was the bedding, that's even better. Do an on-line food shop for delivery when you get home. Try to retain some of the ways you've relaxed after you get home!

The risk of a holiday like this is that you spend it all cooking and cleaning.

How so? The OP will be staying in a hotel.

Eat lots of fish and salad.

Pack really simple outfits which are not fussy or decisions (unless you enjoy the dressing up part).
Have clearly labelled packs / bags for the chargers / suncream whatever so people serve themselves vs asking you.
Grab fresh fruit and veg for snacking.
Give yourself time for you by yourself as well as as groups, sub-groups etc. Opt in or out of whatever suits.

Dont focus on optimizing wellness but tune in to what your body needs. For me this is usually a long sleep on day 1 (or a nap after travelling), a swim or shower and then a short walk to dinner and a glass of wine for the first sunset.
I love a few sunrises on holidays (and I’m not a morning person) - there’s something about strolling as the sun comes up. This usually means we get rest vs late night drinking every night (though we do have some nights like that too).
I also find that I enjoy sketching, doodling, jotting down thoughts (again I’m not a journal type person usually though as I write this I wonder why not).

enjoy!

There's also at least 4 other adults so anyone doing all the running round after others or 'cooking and cleaning' is doing so by choice.

OP also look for alternative, healthier treat foods, eg ready prepared fruit, olives, seafood instead of delicious carbs. Try alcohol free drinks or lower alcohol versions. Drink lots of water and put it in a glass with ice and lemon - a lot of the enjoyment is the big glass as well as the lovely G&T or wine.

For me, reading for pleasure would be a goal to restore some mental wellness and happiness. I don’t get much time in my working week and have to read a lot for work so to sit and consume novels is a delight and something I look forward to on holiday.

I would start each day with hit on YouTube something to burn the muscles a bit not just cardio. And a long walk each day maybe after dinner or early morning when not too hot

If you can sit with your thoughts for 15 minutes by yourself.

Thanks for all the tips everyone
plenty on here I’ve not thought of - especially reading which is something I used to love doing daily but haven’t had any time to do over the last 4-5 years due to 4 years of postgraduate study and DC

Also no plans to run around cooking or cleaning - hotel stay and meals out every day x