New to cruising Wellbeing and Lifestyle

Effortlessly cruise your way to feeling great

Cherry Healey shares useful advice on how to prioritise your health and happiness on holiday ahead of her Wellbeing and Lifestyle workshops on board…

3 min 22 Aug 2023

Cherry Healey

Author

There are as many different types of holidays as there are fish in the sea – but the holy grail is the holiday from which you come home rested, refreshed and ready to enjoy your life once again.

With a little thought and a few careful choices, a cruise holiday is not only a fantastic way to explore different destinations, but it also offers a chance to take exceptionally good care of your body, mind and soul and get back to feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. And a P&O Cruises holiday offers you the chance to relax and unwind from the moment you step on board, with a fabulous array of spa and wellness facilities so that you can maximise your me-time.

Here are my top tips to help maintain your health and wellbeing while having fun in the sun.

Cheers to health

Amid all the excitement, remember to stay hydrated – it's one of the easiest and quickest ways to improve your health and increase your energy. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dull skin, poor digestion and prohibited brain function. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it regularly throughout the day and perhaps give yourself a goal for how much water you’ll drink each day. You’ll notice the difference in your mood, skin and overall enjoyment of your holiday – so that glass of water is worth its weight in gold.

Hand of boy holding glass bottle against sky. Male child is at beach during sunset.

Stair-master

If you’re able to, you could use the stairs around your ship as an easy way to increase your daily cardio. You’ll clock up your steps and feel the rush of feel-good endorphins as a result – every step is a step towards better health. Challenge yourself to use the stairs whenever possible and enjoy the added bonus of fantastic views from different parts of the ship.

If you sometimes find that motivating yourself to exercise is a challenge, you could make a pact with a friend to do it together first thing in the morning – even doing a few laps of the top deck can increase your blood flow and mood and impact how well you sleep (and it’s a great chance to reconnect and soak in the views.)

Or, if you to give yourself more time to get your blood pumping you can head to the state-of-the-art gym on board your ship, complete with the latest equipment, energising classes and fitness experts who are happy to help.

Iona's grand atrium

Don’t forget to breathe

Wellbeing isn’t just about physical health – it's about enjoying every moment of life to the fullest. Being fully present in the moment is one of the best ways to make the most of your time on board. At the start of every day, you could try to ground yourself by placing one hand on your chest, closing your eyes and taking three slow breaths. This will calm your nervous system and bring you into the present moment. Throughout the day, if you find yourself getting distracted and feeling anxious, repeat this exercise to immediately return to yourself and the people around you.

It’s also important to balance the more energetic shore experiences with something more relaxing – you could book yourself a premium spa treatment or some time in The Retreat and carve out some time for yourself in the elegant haven. A happy, peaceful heart is the cornerstone of a healthy holiday.

The Retreat on Arvia

Focusing on your health on holiday requires a combination of mindful choices and taking proactive measures. By staying hydrated and active, prioritising rest and keeping yourself present, you can take proper care of your wellbeing while enjoying your getaway. Remember – a healthy cruise experience is not only about exploring stunning destinations but also ensuring you return home feeling refreshed, revitalised and ready to roll.