Do You Need a Holiday from Your Holiday?

Ever come home from a holiday feeling more tired, bloated, or burnt out than before you left? You’re not alone.

Travelling - though filled with sunshine, adventure, and indulgence - quietly throws the body out of rhythm. In Ayurveda, we call this a disturbance of Vata and Pitta doshas - the energies that govern movement, digestion, and transformation.

When we travel, Vata increases through movement, irregular sleep, new time zones, and unpredictable meal times. Add in the summer heat, sun exposure, and rich foods - and Pitta rises, too.

The result?

Bloating.

Dry skin.

Irritability.

Digestive upsets.

And that all-too-familiar post-holiday crash.

Why This Happens

Your body craves rhythm. When that rhythm is disrupted - even by something joyful like travel - your digestion, mood, and energy lose their anchor. Western medicine might call it “jet lag” or “digestive sluggishness.” Ayurveda sees it as the natural consequence of unsettled doshas - your body whispering, please, come back to balance.

Ayurvedic Travel Tips 🌿

1. Stay consistent. Try to eat and sleep around the same time each day. Even small anchors of routine can stabilise your digestion and mind while you’re away.

2. Move mindfully. Take a gentle morning walk or stretch after long flights. Movement helps circulation flow and grounds Vata’s airy, restless quality.

3. Hydrate wisely. Skip the icy drinks. They shock the digestive fire (agni). Instead, sip room-temperature water, coconut water, or cooling herbal teas like coriander, fennel, or mint.

4. Eat grounding foods. Choose warm, lightly cooked meals where possible. Avocado, basmati rice, and sautéed greens like spinach can help keep your bowels regular and your skin nourished.

5. Rest - truly rest. You don’t have to do every experience to feel every experience. Give yourself permission to slow down and actually absorb your surroundings.

So, Do You Need a Holiday From Your Holiday?

Not really... all you need is a little structure and a little routine while you discover and explore your new destination! And as I sit here in Fiji, I’m reminded that even paradise can feel overwhelming when we forget to pause. So if you’re returning from your travels feeling scattered or depleted - don’t see it as a setback. See it as your body inviting you home.