Playing beach cricket, an Australian family tradition.

New to cruising Wellbeing and Lifestyle

The importance of looking after your body (and how holidays can help)

Cherry Healey thinks we should take a slightly different approach to physical and mental wellbeing depending on where we are in life. Ahead of her Wellbeing and Lifestyle cruises, she shares some tips for all ages for relaxation and rejuvenation while on holiday…

4 min 18 Sep 2023

Cherry Healey

Author

We only have one body, and it carries us throughout our entire life. It’s quite simply miraculous.

But it’s all too easy to take our bodies, and our health, for granted. As the famous saying goes, if you don’t make time for health, you’ll have to make time for sickness. And it’s sadly all too true.

The good news is that there are more ways to incorporate positive health and wellbeing practices into your life than ever before. With new information and education around mental and physical wellbeing available at the touch of a button, the chance to improve your quality of life and happiness is at your fingertips.

However, wonderful as that is, the slight issue is total overwhelm. What exactly are you meant to be eating? How are you meant to be exercising? And how on earth do you sift through all of the new techniques and theories so that we’re using our time efficiently? Well, that’s where I come in.

Over the shoulder view of young Asian sports woman refreshing with water and using fitness app on smartphone to monitor her training progress after fitness work out / exercising / practicing yoga at home in the fresh bright morning

I’ve spent the past 15 years working in the wellness industry and speaking to professionals about how to eat, sleep and take care of yourself like a pro. And in 2024 I’m so excited to bring this knowledge on board in a set of wellbeing workshops for you.

A holiday is the perfect opportunity for you to pause for a moment, take a breath, rekindle your love for physical activity and remember how good it feels to sleep well and eat well. And you can also learn something new and exciting to take home and add into your everyday life.

Vegan Moroccan Tagine available in the main dining rooms on board

As you grow older, some things remain the same – we all need good sleep, a balanced diet and some form of physical exercise. But, throughout your life, there are small changes that you can make to help you transition through the different phases your body goes through.

During childhood, it’s important to lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Holidays provide an opportunity to instil positive habits, such as outdoor activities, quality time with family and trying new foods. Family trips can involve engaging in sports, exploring nature and participating in physical games, all of which promote physical development and a love for movement. Encouraging kids to be active during holidays not only ensures healthy growth but also fosters a lifelong appreciation for exercise.

As teenagers venture into independence, holidays offer a chance to make conscious choices about their bodies. Not only can it be a rare time to chat to your teens, but holidays can be a great time for teenagers to try team sports, yoga or adventure activities, which not only contribute to physical fitness but also enhance self-esteem and self-awareness.

Enjoying the on board sports courts

Young adulthood often brings busy schedules and heightened responsibilities. Holidays in this phase can be a time to reset and prioritise self-care. Incorporating relaxation techniques like meditation and spa treatments into trips can help manage stress levels. Getaways also offer an opportunity to explore new cuisines and cooking methods, enabling young adults to learn about balanced nutrition and develop culinary skills that will benefit their health in the long run.

Middle age is when many people find themselves juggling family, career and health. Holidays become an essential escape from routine, allowing time for rejuvenation, refocusing on fitness, mental health and nutrition. Engaging in physical activities during holidays, such as hiking, swimming or cycling not only keeps the body in shape but can also serve as a chance for quality time with loved ones.

Hiking the Caribbean rainforest

As people grow older, maintaining mobility and cognitive function becomes a priority. Holidays can be an occasion for gentle exercises like Pilates or leisurely walks, helping to keep joints flexible and muscles toned. Exploring new places and cultures during trips away stimulates the mind and contributes to cognitive wellbeing. Additionally, holidays with family and friends foster social connections that are vital for mental and emotional health in later life.

Looking after your body is a lifelong journey that evolves with age. Holidays present a unique opportunity to align fun with your wellbeing goals, ensuring that you can prioritise your health at every stage. By incorporating physical activities, relaxation techniques and mindful eating into holiday plans, you can reap the benefits of both rest and rejuvenation. Whatever age you are, taking a break can be a way to foster a healthy mind and body, ultimately leading to a fulfilling and balanced life.