It’s the holiday season, and everyone has a trip on their radar. Yet, this time, the trend is about putting the party on hold, and enjoying rejuvenating experiences that give the go-getters a breather to replenish their tired souls. With the holiday fervour having caught up with gusto, it comes as little surprise to see one treat the fag end of the year as the ideal time for downtime. But, in a refreshing trend that’s seeing a rise, young city folk are taking a detour from wild vacations, mindless shenanigans and boozy retreats. Instead, the focus is on making plans with a purpose, that actually helps one rejuvenate and recharge while unwinding. We take a deeper look...
Popping a champagne was passe for city-based couple Astha Pawar and Rishabh Telang, who instead rang in their anniversary celebrations through a mindful fitness retreat. “We went to Thailand and spent everyday at the Mulay Thai Centre. So basically, in Phuket, our daily routine was to go for an hour of Muay Thai in a place by the beach followed by a spa, and a healthy meal. We always make space for yoga and spa in our vacations too.
Punitha and Sri
Both Rishabh and I have believed in respecting and taking care of our bodies enough to not give in to guilty anniversary celebrations. On the bright side, we are often surrounded by a healthy bunch. So, it is safe to say that the concept of having a good time is changing for good,” opines Aastha. Adding to the same, Rishabh, a master trainer with a fitness firm, gives a few fail safe tips to unwind healthy. “Always stack up on some healthy snacks such as nuts, dates, prunes, etc. and snack on them between meals, it will help avoid junk cravings. Make sure you include physical activities like trekking and water games in your vacation, so that you burn good amount of calories and also have a lot of fun while you are at it.”
Treading along a similar path, Sriram Sullia tells us how fitness over reckless indulgence is the new cool. “We used to wake up at 5 every morning on our vacation and head straight into the waters for the entire day while scuba diving. Eating right, maintaining discipline, reading up a lot and preparing for our exams to become certified scuba divers was our vacation goal,” shares radio professional Sriram Sullia, letting us in on a recent two week break that got him and his wife Punitha Acharya get back into the rut, with oodles of energy, armed with a new skill. Opining how holidays are more satisfying when spent mindfully, even if it adds to the budget, Punitha adds, “To learn a skill or have an experience during a break improves your outlook to life. Vacations are to make you feel great, but nothing refreshes you more than learning, despite setting you back by a couple more bucks. Mindless partying only makes you feel guilty whereas a healthy vacation leaves you energised and feeling good about yourself. Money spent on learning something new, improving/reinventing yourself is always money well spent.”
As they say, you learn best through travel, when done without a hustle. Vouching by similar lines; for city girl Lopa Saikia, solo travelling to Rishikesh with an intent to switch to a lifestyle changed helped her understand her boy better. “I was exhausted with my lifestyle and needed a change in everything I did and hence I chanced upon this and did a solo trip. The experience was very enthralling as I got to do a lot of meditation, which made me connect closer to myself and the people I met in the course of the journey they taught me. They teach us that there is no difference between matters of atomic level or for spiritual level, we have a soul that simply has a body.
It was not an ashram or any institute that taught us. I lived there for two weeks and obviously disconnected from phone or any kind of electronic communication. This trip also helped me to get out of my few health issues. My mind is calmer and more focused.If you are making any resolutions for the year, keep some space for mindful travel this time.” Even yoga teacher Carolyn Theresa Simon adheres by the trend. “I love going on yoga vacations followed by a guided meditation session before bed. This is not a luxury but a necessity to let go and get myself energized for the time ahead.”
