15 Tips to have a relaxing vacation

1. EMPTY YOUR MIND

In theory: Go for a brisk walk twenty minutes a day. This ritual reduces fatigue, releases tension, provides energy and allows the mind to rest.

In practice: Focus on breathing (three minutes) and then observe the little details of your environment.

Bonus trick: Take some time to engage in your favourite activity, such as singing sessions at the karaoke or your favourite Korean barbecue, and think about your holiday plans to immerse yourself in the good vibes as often as possible.

2. RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES

In theory: 77% of women do not fulfil their daily magnesium intake. Start a treatment before the summer so that you enjoy your holiday at peak energy levels.

In practice: Adopt mineral waters – rich in magnesium and “take more greens, whole grains, soy or fish and seafood,” says nutritional therapist Dr. Jean-Paul Curtay.

Bonus trick: Help yourself with light food supplements for the digestive system. 3 tablets, 3 times a day for two to three months (Bioptimum Stress, Boiron, pharmacy).

3. ENHANCE YOUR COMPLEXION

In theory: It is all about your brilliance, the idea of moving from paper maché skin to the flawless complexion of the on-screen heroines.

In practice: Refine with a powder blush (Expert Wear Blush Maybelline Gemey, in 6 shades) for a light sun kissed effect over the cheekbones, nose and jaw. ”

Bonus trick: for a more intense colour, take your favourite lipstick, rub a little on the back of your hand, add a little of your moisturizing lip balm and apply over your lips with your finger.

4. REKINDLE THE FLAMES OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP

In theory: Instead of getting frustrated from the first day of vacation, because your partner forgot the bags placed prominently in the entrance way, stimulate feng shui love energy in your home, well before leaving.

In practice: Everything happens in the southwest sector of the F3, which we activate…
– by placing a red candle and a yellow square ashtray;
– by promoting the smell of toast and pastries;
– by sorting out the intimate little corner in the living room (get rid of the linen board, the books and the pile of letters overflowing on the coffee table).

Bonus trick: Play the game. Whenever we consult feng shui in practice, we reinforce our intentions “to improve our relationships,” and that eventually transform our state of mind, the atmosphere and the state of the couple.

5. AERATE THE BRAIN

In theory: Catching an amazing exhibition, a poetry slam, etc.

In practice: There are many such events happening at all times and days, take your pick.

6. BOOST YOUR ENERGY

In theory: You can boost your energy by stimulating the reflexology point called “the bubbling spring”, which is under the sole of the foot (the hollow that forms when the bends).

In practice: Upon waking up, sitting on the edge of the bed, press this point with the thumb making small circles, for two minutes, advises Dr. Chen You-Wa.

Bonus trick: To improve the effectiveness of the massage, as well as blood and lymphatic circulation, use of sweet almond oil (1 tbsp.) Supplement with 10 drops of lemon essential oil.

7. ELIMINATE TOXINS

In theory: Oxygenate the muscles through a series of stretches.

In practice: Lying on your back, stretch your feet over your head and breath in deeply and fully, as we feel the tension in the muscles. Repeat this step 10 times, advises the coach to the stars, Jean-Pierre Clemenceau.

Bonus trick: Do not force your breathing in order to relax your body and not asphyxiate.

8. COPE WITH THE JETLAG

In theory: It takes five days to recover…

In practice: “Four days before departure, shifts your sleeping time by 1 to 2 hours,” offers Nathalie Nguyen, “Jet-lag caregiver” in Algotherm.

Bonus trick: Upon arrival, apply rosemary or mint essential oils on the wrists to get on form, and grapefruit and tangerine to relax (2-3 drops dissolved in 100ml of vegetable oil).

9. RELEASE TENSION

In theory: Eliminate stress and combat sleep disorders by gentle manual manipulations.

In practice: The therapist puts the fascia back in order (the tissue surrounding the muscles and organs). Gradually, we regain consciousness from his body. That hour of relaxation and reclaiming itself is simply amazing, says Fasciatherapist Isabelle Eschalier, .

Bonus trick: Do not wait for symptoms – or the day before a holiday – to see a fasciatherapist.

10. CREATE A BUBBLE

In theory: Disconnect from the world by putting yourself on “switch off” mode.

In practice: Take five full minutes, once a day, to isolate yourself in a quiet place, close your eyes and create a vacuum.

Bonus trick: Sitting, with your hands on your belly, tuck in your belly while breathing slowly; hold five seconds then inhale slowly; hold five seconds, and repeat twenty times.

11. WORK THE MENU

In theory: Do not wait for the holidays to enjoy the ecstasy of the unique dishes you will try!

In practice: Let’s get started! Pappardelle with bacon and pine nuts, Chinese cabbage crab, lamb curry with spinach fettuccine with pesto…

Bonus trick: Include cheese and cherries for those who are still hungry. And a table of friends to enjoy the food and cheer up your weekend.

12. DETOXIFY

In theory: Cleansing the body while eating.

In practice: Consume more of artichoke, chives and shallots, thirty days before your departure. In addition, put more greens on your plate and more red in your glass.

Another plus: Have your fill of organic products. And try out taurine dietary supplements, an amino acid very useful for its virtues against all urban pollution, suggests Aude Véret, founder of the company Physic’all, specializing in fitness.

13. TONE YOUR ABS

In theory: When on the beach, showing off your flabby tummy is mortifying.

In practice: Sit on a bench, toes pointed to the ground, hands on the neck, elbows out, back straight, and lean back and forth twenty times.

Bonus tip: Inspire down and expire up. Tighten the muscles of the chest. (Author of “Ventre plat en 1 mois” (A Flat Belly in 1 month) A. Véret, Flammarion)

14. PREVENT BOUTS OF FATIGUE

In theory: All year round, the body produces enzymes that are overactive. If the rhythm is broken suddenly, we put our bodies in situations where we lack it, says coach Jean-Pierre Clemenceau.

In practice: We can reduce the feeling of exhaustion that strikes us as soon as you unpack your suitcase by planning our activities.

Bonus tip: Avoid repeating work

15. LEAVE THE OFFICE EARLIER

In theory: Slow down to adopt the pace of holiday from work the week before you leave

In practice: Set your priorities, institute a personal order, look to the things you can delegate, and how to simplify your problems.

Bonus trick: End with a piece of work that requires us to go beyond ourselves, to evolve and express our full potential. In short, a challenge worthy of us.

Laurence Cochet