Are you looking to escape the winter blues? There’s nothing like a tropical vacation to treat yourself to a well-deserved vacation. Whether you’re planning a family vacation filled with fun outdoor activities, a romantic getaway, or a solo retreat just to relax, Hawaii offers a little bit of something for everyone. A stress free vacation in Kauai, Hawaii is the perfect option for an unforgettable experience.
All the Hawaiian Islands are great vacation destinations. However, the island of Kauai is the crown jewel of Hawaii known as the “Garden Isle” for its lush tropical rainforest covering most of the land. Experience the diverse landscapes from rising cliffs on the Napali Coast, sunny surf and sand on Poipu Beach to the charms of Old Koloa Town.
Much has been said about the therapeutic effects of vacations, and for good reason. A change of scenery can do wonders for the mind and body, particularly when it comes to reducing stress levels. If you’re looking for a way to relax and unwind. Read on to learn how you can relieve yourself from stress and we’ll call it the “Kauai Vacation Stress Relief” technique.
How to Achieve a Stress Free Vacation in Kauai
Disconnect from the Daily Grind
There’s a reason why your boss wants you to take a vacation — it’s good for you. If you’re busy slugging away at work day-in and day-out, it’s time to rethink your strategy. A study by Glassdoor and Harris Interactive shows employees who take vacations tend to be more productive, have improved morale and see improved health benefits.
Improved health benefits include:
- Lower stress levels. There’s only so much one person can work before burning out.
- Healthier heart. Those who take vacations are at a lower risk of developing heart disease.
- Healthier mind. Going on vacation helps clear the mind and reduce anxiety and depression.
- Overall well-being. Focusing solely on your work often comes with the price of neglecting other areas of your life such as your spouse, family, and friends. Going on vacation with loved ones strengthens bonds.
Many people believe that staying home is the easiest way to avoid stress, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Although you don’t have a daily commute or office drama to deal with when you stay in your own town, it’s still easy for stress levels to rise. Home can actually be a very stressful place if work has been busy or you’ve had some personal problems lately.
A vacation, on the other hand, is designed to be stress-free. You’re away from your regular life and any accompanying issues that might arise. Instead of dealing with paperwork or work drama, all you need to focus on is having fun. You can spend your days hiking through the jungle, trying to spot some wildlife, or lounging on the beach. Take the time to visit one of Kauai’s waterfalls, where you’ll be surrounded by lush green forest and crashing waves in no time. The point is that it won’t feel like work at all.
Take a break from your phone and computer
Do you know what they say about all work and no play? Well, it’s definitely not good for your psyche or physical health. So give yourself a break from your technology for even just an hour to go on a walk-in nature. All you have to do is get outside, take some deep breaths, and let the stress melt away. We know you’re on your phone a lot, but trust us when we say that it’ll be worth it.
Spend time with friends and family.
Spending time alone is important to rejuvenate your well-being, however, make sure you enjoy your time with friends and your family during your vacation because that is important too. If you have a large group, it may be necessary to schedule some planned activities or events that will bring everyone together.
Keep busy! Instead of just lying out by the pool all day, invest in a tour of a local attraction close by to the hotel. Spend at least one day exploring instead of just sunbathing to get the most out of your trip.
Get some exercise
All that frolicking in the sand is bound to tire you out, but don’t hibernate in your room just yet. While hitting the gym isn’t exactly a top priority when you’re on vacation, going for a walk or getting a little outside activity can actually help keep your stress levels down. And according to a recent Swedish study, exercising while on vacation can help you relax more than just sitting back and enjoying the view.
The secret is all in the afterglow of your workout, which has been shown to reduce stress hormones like cortisol by up to 68%. So save that Zumba video for another day and get out into nature for some fresh air and a rejuvenating cardio session.
Relax and do nothing for awhile
It’s important to make time to do nothing at all and just relax while you are on vacation to prevent yourself from burnout. You need downtime and pure relaxation, which means no multitasking to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
When you are on vacation, it’s important to make time for yourself and your own relaxation. While you may be busy experiencing various parts of the world while you are traveling, make time for what some refer to as “me” time where you can do nothing at all. It will help you prevent excess stress that could affect your daily life once you return.
Reconnect with Nature
One of the reasons why Hawaii is such a popular vacation destination is because of its warm weather and natural beauty. Most people don’t get enough opportunities to get outside and reconnect with nature. The simple act of taking a walk outside amongst nature can do wonders for clearing your mind and reducing stress.
Kauai is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. The one thing that really stands out is how close to nature everything feels. You are constantly reminded that you are on an island of lava rock with thousands of plants, animals, and insects that depend on each other to survive. This is not something I have ever experienced before in any other place on earth. Every inch has been so perfectly planned out, but still leaves enough mystery for you to be constantly surprised.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in Kauai
It’s important to take a break from all the planning and organizing that goes into a vacation, so make sure you find time for some outdoor activities before or after your trip. Here are a few good options:
Hiking
There are trails on Kauai for people of all experience levels. Some hikes can be completed in an hour while others take all day.
Sunrise Hike at Kilauea Volcano
Kauai is home to the only currently active volcano in the U.S., so take a hike up Kilauea for a stunning view of the sunrise and the surrounding landscape.
Waimea Canyon Lookout Trail
This half-mile loop walks along a ridge that offers stunning views of the canyon and Ni’ihau. The trailhead begins at a parking lot near mile marker 41 off Route 550.
Kayaking
Experience Kauai from a whole new perspective by kayaking along the island’s coasts.
Surfing
Hang out at Poipu Beach which is at the South shore and a popular spot to surf, or just enjoy the sun and sand.
Fishing
Everyone can enjoy some time catching fish of all kinds, including bonefish and that prized ulua.
You do not need to stress out yourself in planning the activities in Kauai. Our team at the activity center in Koloa Landing® Resort will help plan that for you and give you travel tips to see all the beautiful gems Kauai has to offer.
Swimming at the beach
Anini Beach is one of the best places to go swimming in Hawaii. Swimming is an excellent way to relax and de-stress, and it has an extra bonus of beautiful rock formations for an even more exhilarating experience. Besides swimming, it has other amenities to keep everyone busy for the day. There is an outdoor shower, covered picnic tables (perfect for an impromptu picnic), restrooms (including changing rooms with showers), and plenty of parking space.
The scenery is breathtaking and will take your breath away
It’s hard to believe that you’re still in the continental US when on Kauai. It’s hard not to get swept away by the lush green forests, gorgeous beaches, and Jurassic Park-like mountains that surround you everywhere you look. The scenery is like no other, and it will take your breath away.
You’ll feel refreshed after spending time in Kauai
Even though Kauai has a lot going on, it is also a peaceful island. You’ll feel completely refreshed after visiting this amazing place.
The Hawaiian Islands are filled with nature and beauty, but Hawaii is known as the land of restoration and refresh. After a few days exploring these islands, you’ll feel relaxed and ready to go back home.
Rejuvenate Your Spirit and Senses
If you’re looking for an eco-resort in an exotic location then the island of Kauai in Hawaii is an excellent choice. Kauai has an abundance of natural beauty and offers an opportunity to rejuvenate your senses.
Getting away from it all by taking an eco-vacation can also be a great way to help you reconnect with your spirit and re-energize yourself for the new year.
Eat great food
Eat healthy food that is full of vitamins and nutrients. Your favorite healthy foods may vary depending on your dieting preferences, but they should include plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains.
Kauai is known for its robust food scene, so it’s no wonder that locals, tourists, and visitors alike are on the lookout for great places to eat. When visiting Kauai, do not miss out on mai tais. Mai tai is a sweet drink made from rum, orange liqueur, or brandy and pineapple juice. Enjoy great food and drinks at HoloHolo grill in Koloa Landing® Resort that is sure enough to fill your soul.
Listen to calming music or read a good book to unwind
Music is one of the many ways to relax. It’s also one of the more interesting ways to relax because it can be so personal. Music that has a slow tempo and gentle sounds can help you relax. Ask your family members what kind of music they enjoy, then sample some songs on YouTube until you find some that are soothing for you. You might also want to bring along headphones or earbuds, which can help you avoid disturbing others with your music.
Picking up a good book can be the best way for you to unwind yourself. You can take advantage of your free time to get lost in a story filled with drama, comedy, or tragedy. For thousands of years, books have been providing people with entertainment and advice on life.
A study by Anne-Laure Sellier and her colleagues at the University of Grenoble in France suggests that between episodes on “Grey’s Anatomy,” it might be a good idea to try picking up a paperback from the self-help section. They found that reading self-help books makes people think they are more capable than before they picked up the book. And this feeling of empowerment can then lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction. That may sound obvious. But this is one of the first, and certainly the most intriguing study to make this case.
“Rather than simply making people feel good or giving them information, reading self-help books may put people in a frame of mind where they are searching for ways to help themselves,” Sellier said. “They’ve been empowered somehow.”
Yoga
Physical activity that consists of poses, breathing, and meditation is also a great way to relieve stress. Stress relief yoga takes some practice before you are able to do some of the more advanced positions, but patience can help your mind as well as your body.
The first step to start is to find a quiet place where you can stretch. You don’t need any special equipment or clothing, although there are some positions that use yoga straps, blocks, and other tools. Before you begin doing some poses, however, take a minute just to relax. Close your eyes and focus on breathing in deeply and exhaling completely. Let your muscles relax more with each breath you take.
Once you are relaxed, start to stretch some of your major muscle groups, like arms, legs, and back. These areas tend to get the tensest when we’re under stress. Use an appropriate amount of pressure when you stretch; don’t push yourself too hard. You might want to start with some gentle stretches, and then work your way up to a more strenuous one.
Take a hot bath with aromatherapy oils
Bathing can help you to relax and fall asleep. This will calm your mind and body, relieve the tension in your muscles and help you focus. Add a few drops of lavender oil into the bath to create an environment that is perfect for relaxation. Bathing gets your blood circulating, which helps open up your pores. When combined with the warmth of the water, it creates a soothing experience. It also exfoliates your skin, which helps remove dead cells that can cause acne.
Get a massage
Koloa Landing® Resort is home to world-class spa services such as luxurious skin treatments and massage therapy.
Massage therapy has numerous health benefits including reduced muscle tension, improved lymphatic movement, and restored natural balance in the body. Try the popular Hawaiian Lomi massage, an ancient form of massage passed down for generations that are characterized by long strokes and rhythmic movements. At Koloa Spa, we use only the finest organic and natural creams and oils by Malie Organics.
Or, treat yourself to a natural facial or full-body skin treatment. You’ll come out feeling relaxed and revitalized.
You don’t need to stress yourself out trying to search or Google your Kauai travel plans. Our concierge team at the Activity Center in Koloa Landing® Resort will help you plan and customize the best activities in Kauai for you that will allow you to relax throughout your Hawaii vacation. Come to Kauai for your next stress free vacation – you’ll be glad you did! Contact us today and book your Kauai beach villa and get the best deal for your vacation rentals.