How To Have a Healthy Spring Break

1. Exercise

Now I know your regular exercise routine is the last thing you want to think about over spring break, but it is something you do not want to forget. This is especially true if you are in a training program. It is not a good idea to just take off a week from your workout because it will be that much harder to pick up when school starts again. It will also help burn off those extra calories you are surely going to eat! A great example of an easy exercise is yoga. You can do this in your hotel room, on the beach, anywhere! Just look up some easy yoga poses online, one of my favorites is downward dog, and you are good to go. Another great exercise is walking and/or running. Again, you can do this anywhere and you can decide the amount of time you want to spend. It can be a simple 20 minute walk or an extensive 45 minute jog.

2. Healthy Snacks

Over spring break you will be tempted to eat differently than you normally do. These choices will most likely be unhealthy. It’s okay to do this over spring break but watch your portion control. If you get hungry in between meals have a healthy snack. Eat an apple, a handful of nuts, trail mix in your carry on, or pack a healthy lunch to bring to the beach. This way you can indulge yourself on the local cuisine but still have a healthy balance for snacks and lunch time.

3. Stay Hydrated

When you are spending time out in the sun, it is even more important to make sure you stay hydrated. They sun can cause dehydration before you even realize you are thirsty. Keep an eye on how much water you drink every day. Try to have at least 2 liters, more if you are being active. When you go to the beach, bring a cooler stoccked with water bottles so you have them handy. When you sit down at a restaraunt order water instead of a soda. (This also helps save cost since soda tends to be costly.)

4. Protect Your Skin

If you are going to the beach make sure you bring sunscreen with you. Even if you aren’t at the beach but spending time outside, this is essential. Since it is finally getting warmer, you don’t want to forget the sunscreen and come back to school burnt to a crisp. You also don’t want to risk developing skin cancer from the strong rays. Make sure you use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

5. Sleep Well

Getting enough rest is vital to your healthy. Make sure you are getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you know you are going to be out late, then don’t schedule an event early the next morning. Even though you want to get the most out of your spring break, don’t let your health suffer.

• fitness
• health
• Heidi Brander
• spring break
• UW Stout