It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year! Spring break is upon us. We are SO CLOSE. In less than 7 days, Mizzou students will get a taste of freedom for an entire week. As the weather warms up, and the stress of midterms comes to an end, it’s time to kick back, relax or even hit the road for a girls’ trip to the closest beach. While no one wants to be distracted from the fun of a tropical vacay with thoughts of the “D-word” (Diet. There, I said it), there are simple tips and tricks you can use while on your beach-y getaway to make sure all the hard work you put into that spring break bod doesn’t go to waste.
1. Pack light (foods, that is)
One of the most foolproof ways to always make sure you have a “healthy option” is to pack one (or two, or three) for yourself. Long road trips can lead to excessive snacking, and we are all guilty of being suckers for those fresh baked chocolate chip cookies they always pass around on airplanes. Try bringing several different healthy snack options with you on your spring break trip for emergency situations when you get extra hangry.
2. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to make sure you are fully energized, refreshed and ready to tackle your day at the beach. Especially if you are going somewhere with a warmer climate than you are used to, drinking plenty of water is essential. It is recommended to drink around half your body weight in ounces of water per day. When we are extra busy with fun activities and travel, it can be easy to forget to hydrate. Try packing a trendy and cute bottle filled with ice cold water in your beach bag and sip on it throughout the day. Not a fan of plain old water? Throw in some frozen raspberries and fresh lemon to give your drink some extra flavor.
3. Don’t make “break” an excuse
Of course, it is important to relax and enjoy yourself during spring break, but try not to make it an excuse to skip your daily sweat session for an entire week. If you are traveling, head to the hotel gym or go down to the beach for an early morning jog in the sand or some ocean front yoga. Exercise is a great way to clear your mind, relieve stress and get you ready to take on the day. If you know you will be extra busy once your jam-packed schedule starts, try squeezing in a quick workout early in the morning.
4. Don’t forget the SPF 100
Especially for us Missouri girls, the sun has not been out here in the Midwest. The rays you’ll catch at Padre will be much stronger than the ones you soak up walking across Mizzou’s campus, so don’t forget to spray on some sunscreen before you head out for a day at the beach. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
5. Get plenty of sleep
Try to dodge the “sleep when you’re dead” motto this year. While it may seem like a blast to spend the night wide awake out on the beach, your body will feel it the next day. Aim for a balance of 8 hours each night so that you have enough energy to do all of the activities you had planned for your trip.
All in all, spring break is supposed to be a fun time to unwind, relax and recharge to take on the last half of the semester. While you may find yourself wanting to stray from your normal healthy habits a little bit during the week, these tips can help you have fun and stay fit at the same time. Happy spring break!