In the coming days, the long-awaited and much-anticipated vacation period will arrive. Although it may not be as long as the year-end holidays, it’s still a time to pause routines and take a break from the day-to-day life of the past five months.

Vacations often come at a time when the body naturally asks for a break—to feel less pressure and a sense of freedom.

However, vacation time doesn’t mean neglecting ourselves, nor should it be synonymous with excess or abandoning healthy habits—quite the opposite. Taking a break should mean reconnecting, breathing, listening to ourselves, and recharging for what’s ahead.

It’s important that our children’s upcoming vacation is not only fun but also healthy—filled with moments that help them heal, laugh, and stay physically active.

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your family enjoys days that are both enjoyable and beneficial:

1. Protect your energy: Vacations shouldn’t become a checklist of things to do out of obligation. It’s important to use this time to rest—without guilt. Sleeping well, reading a favorite book, and disconnecting from the outside world should all be part of your rest time.

2. Eat well: Keeping balance in our diet helps us feel better during our free days. It’s a great time to treat ourselves to new flavors and try healthy options that leave us feeling good.

3. Keep moving: Movement is essential for health, so staying active during vacation shouldn’t be overlooked. Even if you’re away from home, look for activities that help release tension, improve your mood, and bring you into the present moment.

4. Unplug: Disconnecting helps improve mental health. Take time to talk without interruptions, be fully present with your children, or simply put away your phone and devices.

5. Create meaningful moments: How wonderful it is to remember those hugs, laughs, and joyful times from our own childhood. If those moments meant so much to us, why not teach our kids to create and cherish them too? It’s a great time to share with them how happy we felt while enjoying such simple pleasures.

6. Rest: Good sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The body needs time to recover, so make sure to plan for restful downtime during your vacation too.

Going on vacation should be a time of balance—where we laugh, cry, enjoy, play, and engage in many different experiences. But being on vacation also means taking care of ourselves, so it’s essential to balance physical health, emotional well-being, and fun—so that we come out of it feeling lighter and renewed.