“The drive-eat-sleep vacation routine we get into doesn’t do
much
to relieve stress,” said Janine Freeman, an Extension Service
nutrition specialist with the University of Georgia College of
Family and Consumer Sciences.
On the other hand, she said, physical activity is a proven
stress
beater.
The problem, Freeman said, is that when your body is sedentary,
your mind can wander, and you end up dwelling on your problems
instead of relaxing.
Active Body, Active Mind
“If you’re lying on the beach, you still have time to think
about
all your problems back home,” Freeman said. “But if you’re
engaged in some kind of physical activity, your mind is active.
You’re concentrating on what you’re doing, and you can’t think
about what your have to do when you get home.”
Regardless of your age, fitness level or interests, Freeman
said, an active trip is out there for you. Here are a few
suggestions.
Walking
A short tour of trails at state and national parks could make
for
a great weekend getaway. All you need is good pair of walking
shoes and you’re ready to go. For information on state parks go
to www.gastateparks.org. For
national parks, see www.nps.gov.
All-inclusive walking tours, too, offer the chance to walk
around
some of the world’s greatest landmarks and attractions. Check
out
walking.about.com/cs/toursamericas or www.wonderwalks.com
(877-897-7175) for a guided walk or hike.
Biking
If you’re a biker, all-inclusive biking tours are available, or
you could plan your own adventure. Head to the mountains or look
into the 11,658 miles of abandoned railroad track that have been
converted into public trails for both walking and biking. Go to
www.railtrails.org
(202-331-9696) or www.traillink.com to find
out
more.
Hiking
If you’re just starting out, check out a local hiking club. They
offer group trips for folks at different fitness levels and the
expertise to keep you safe. To find some great trails to hike in
Georgia, see www.georgiagetaway.com
or www.gatrails.com.
Adult Camps
Who says camps are just for kids? If you want to
improve your tennis or golf game or learn more about
backpacking,
go to www.grownupcamps.com. You
could even send the kids to one camp, while you and your spouse
go to another.
Water sports
Canoeing, rafting, snorkeling and sea kayaking offer challenging
workouts and the chance to catch some scenery you can’t see from
your car. Go to www.backroads.com
(800-462-2848) for information on water sports or any of the
other vacations listed here.
These vacations are designed for people at different fitness
levels. Still, you’re going to have a much better time if you
don’t injure yourself. So, do some conditioning. If you’re going
biking, get your bike out a few weeks before you leave and do
some training.
The same goes for hiking and walking. Do plenty of walking to
get
yourself in shape. Remember to wear-in your new boots or shoes
before you leave.
