Summer is so utterly amazing! Who doesn't love the extended daylight and laid back vibe? The days feel luxurious as we spend more time in nature soaking it all in, and we can give ourselves permission to sink our toes in the sand or cool grass while relaxing, chatting with friends, or just watching the world go by.
Summer also means vacation! And while getting away is always fun, it often comes with a wee bit of stress, especially if we are going to places or cultures where we might feel out of our element. Whether you hit the road or take to the sky, tending to your inner balance is the key to keeping stress at bay and ensureing the best vacation possible.
The goal is not to come back feeling like you need a vacation from vacation!
I recommend packing these 9 things to ensure a comfy and fun experience during your precious summer break.
9 Things to Pack for Your Summer Vacation
1. An Adventurous Attitude
First and foremost, be sure to leave your expectations behind and enter into vacay with an open mind and an attitude of adventure. It's easy to have the “ideal” vacation in mind, but trying to hit the mark every time is a very narrow aim, and our high expectations can often lead to disappointment. If we let go and stay in our full presence we will enjoy the ride so much more!
Keeping our expectations broad and light allows life's greatest experiences to enter.
If you are traveling with someone else, remember their expectations may be different than yours. Packing your open mind and awesome attitude will help you ride the waves from the moment you set foot out the door until you arrive safely home.
2. A Mini Massage Oil
This little item is essential for your grounding daily self-massage. Banyan's travel size Pitta Massage Oil is perfect for summertime; it has a cooling effect on the body that nourishes and hydrates the skin while soothing weary muscles.
This is the perfect way to replenish your skin after a day in the sun, or to simply find a moment of stillness, peace, and grounding amidst all the movement that is inherent in travel.
No matter where you are, if you feel yourself experiencing anxiousness or a sense of being ungrounded, simply pull out your massage oil and take a moment to nourish your body and mind. Even if you can't massage your whole body, a few drops of oil massaged into the temples and the soles of the feet can make a huge difference.
3. A Big Hat
It's pitta season, so the sun is hot! We can get cranky if we get too hot, not to mention sunburned. To promote the peaceful minded aspect of vacation, protect your head and face from the sun.
Those who are pitta predominant, especially, will get irritated or “hot headed” very quickly if they get overheated.
Note: If that happens, hand them some ice cream and run away for about 10 minutes until they cool off!
4. Rosewater
Spritz! Ahhh. Rosewater is absolutely wonderful for an anytime refresher. It is soothing, cooling, pitta-balancing, and reminds us that it's time for the sweet relief of a deep exhale.
Pack a travel-sized spritz bottle of rosewater and pull it out often.
Spritz yourself, spritz your friends, spritz your family, then soak in the moment of calm that is sure to ensue.
5. I Travel Well
Hectic schedules, increased demands on the immune system, changes in time zone, disrupted sleep, inconsistent meal routines, and limited healthy food choices are some of the many challenges faced when traveling.
I Travel Well is a powerful and fast acting bend of Ayurvedic herbs created to help keep you healthy, balanced, and feeling your best when you are on the road.
For best results, give your system an extra boost by starting to take this formula a few days before your departure date.
6. A Chill Playlist
Make a soothing playlist before you go! This way, you can easily access the tunes that promote relaxation and put you in a good mood, no matter when or where you are.
Music is connected to the sense of sound, and as one of the five main senses it can have a significant impact on the state of our nervous system and emotions.
You likely have your own favorites ready to go, but if not, some of my favorite chill music recommendations include Tycho, Washed Out, Zero 7, and Weekend Players. Enjoy!
7. A Small Crystal or Mala Bracelet
I highly recommend packing a crystal, stone, mala, or other small item that is meaningful to you. This simple piece of beauty will act as your on-the-go reminder that you bring your energy with you and have the power to create your peaceful place wherever you are.
Set it out at bedtime or when you meditate as a reminder of why you are on vacation in the first place: to take a break, to be open to the world, to nourish, to reset, to rest, to play.
8. Alerts On Your Smart Phone
Instead of just using your phone for snapshots and social media shares, use it as a powerful tool to remind yourself how to BE. Put in inspirational reminders on your alarm several times a day that remind you why you are on vacation.
Remember—vacation is for slowing down, releasing what does not serve us, and savoring our adventure.
Alerts could say something like:
- “Savor this time!”
- “Stop, breathe, and look where you are!”
- “Inhale LIFE, Exhale appreciation.”
- “Let your mind wander.”
- “Stop thinking about work. They have it covered. Let it go.”
9. Joyful Heart Tea
As a morning kick start or afternoon treat, skip the sugary drinks and trade them for a luxurious and uplifting cup of Joyful Heart. This delicious herbal blend is made with hibiscus and rose, giving it a gentle cooling quality that is perfect for hot summer days.
Crafted to soothe the senses and lift the spirit, this tea will help you relax into your vacation time while also opening your heart to whatever the adventure brings.
Enjoy your tea warm or cool. You can even pour it over ice while lounging on the beach or in the pool.
Wherever you go for your summer getaway, remember that Ayurveda is meant to be adapted to meet you exactly where you are. Just because you're changing your routine doesn't mean you have to throw your self-care out the window. Have fun and stay balanced on your journey, and allow yourself to fully sink into the “Aahhhhh.”
