Get into holiday mode before you fly with a healthy + relaxing weekend
Only a week left before the 3 week Canada trip, everything’s booked and pre-paid so it’s time to focus on my wellbeing and de-stress ahead of the long flight.
Health and Fitness are always priorities for me, but in the lead up to a big trip, I put in a little extra effort e.g. not allowing myself to make any old excuse to avoid exercise, trying to be consistent with bedtimes and adding a few more veggies into the diet. I’ve been travelling interstate for work over the last couple of weeks and my routine’s veered sliiightly off-track which has left me feeling a bit rundown. JJ was away this weekend so I’ve had the perfect opportunity to indulge in some me time and recover before we travel. These are the ways I treated myself….
FRIDAY NIGHT
Every Friday that I’m in Sydney I go to Kumdo (Korean sword) training at my local Dojang after work. This martial art is a bit unusual as hobbies go which is why I tried it in the first place, but little did I know that I’d still be absolutely loving it 3 years later! As well as the physical benefits of martial arts training, and the social aspect, Kumdo encourages me to focus on my breathing, posture and maintaining a relaxed state of mind whilst under pressure – it’s both great fun and challenging.
After I’m done training, JJ and I usually get takeaway pizza and a bottle of red, it’s our start of the weekend ritual. But, as I was home alone this weekend and trying to be healthy I had a bowl of soup and an early night instead.
SATURDAY
It was a bright but chilly morning, so I decided to ride my bike up to the gym to warm up and make the most of the winter sunshine. I did an hour of outdoor cross training which this week entailed a lot of shuttle runs and kettlebell work.
Another one of my weekly rituals is to have lunch at the gym with my friend Elena. We don’t always take the same classes, but we usually finish training at the same time so always squeeze in a catch-up.
Once back home and showered I treated myself to a mani-pedi and some delicious grilled salmon with this tasty concoction for dinner. I finished my day with an Epsom Salt bath to soothe my tired muscles.
SUNDAY
Truth be told I’m not much of a yogi, but if I’m having a day of relaxation I love to start it with a good full-body stretch. This morning I followed along with a 30-minute yoga tutorial on YouTube.
Next, I headed into the city for a 60-minute relaxation massage appointment at spaQ, QT Sydney. I was gifted a voucher for this treatment a while ago and have been saving it until right before the Canada holiday. I’d love to say I’m a regular spa-goer but this really was a rare treat, it was so blissful I barely noticed the fire alarm going off for about 10 minutes during my massage! All guests visiting spaQ get complimentary access to their hammam-inspired steam and ice room which is a fantastic way to enhance your state of relaxation either before or after a treatment.
After the spa, complimentary glass of bubbles and a tasty chicken salad at Parlour Lane Roasters, I headed over to Pyrmont for wine and cheese with my lovely friend Rhonda – a perfect end to an idyllic weekend!
What are your favourite ways to pamper yourself, do you have any pre-travel rituals?
