What I Learnt on Holiday

Disclosure: post features gifted items

I’ve been to Western Australia three times now to visit family, and every time I come back a little bit more in love. Our family live roughly 200 miles south of Perth, in a gorgeous coastal town called Dunsborough. White sandy beaches, relaxed vibes, beautiful wildlife and great breweries and vineyards; I’ll take seconds, please. It feels like years since I curled my toes in the sand, but I’m so thankful that I get to experience this lifestyle occasionally.

I’m guilty, and I know friends are too, of not taking quality time off work. For the past few years, apart from this trip to Australia, we’ve taken annual leave but stayed at home instead or had a few days away somewhere close. I LOVE doing this usually, but you end up being caught up with work (especially when managing social media accounts) and home projects. After experiencing a holiday like this, I’ve realised I’ve not been holidaying properly. You need time-out from everything: work, home, family, stress etc. You need a HOLIDAY.

So, here’s some things I learnt along the way…

Wildlife and nature are therapy | I suppose I already knew this, being surrounded by beautiful scenery at home, but stopping to notice things for more than 30 seconds was key to me slowing down and forgetting about life back home.

I thought I’d be checking emails and posting on social all the time, but I was more interested in hearing the call of the kookaburra in the morning or watching the baby lizards on the swimming pool deck. I’m positive this is one of the reasons why I’ve got really into gardening and attracting wildlife to our space since we returned (more on that soon).

Confidence | The truth is I felt a bit mardy about my weight before I went on holiday. I knew that I wasn’t at my healthiest and summer Lisa isn’t as confident in clothes as autumn/winter Lisa. But when I got out there, I realised I’d miss all the fun if I continued to worry about my cellulite and pot belly.

Why do we do this to ourselves? I’ve been through a lot health wise, and more since I returned, so if Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is seeing me through, it’s seeing me through!

A big thank you to UK Swimwear for kitting me out with this gorgeous electric blue Moontide Swimsuit and my timeless Pia Rossini Maxi Dress (both gifted). They will be coming with me on holidays for years to come. P.S I’m 100% sure this swimsuit is the reason I became a water baby on this trip (I’m notoriously rubbish at swimming). I’m in a cossie on the blog, who’d a thought it?!

Laughter| The soundtrack to our holiday, as cheesy as it sounds, was laughter. There wasn’t a day I wasn’t doubled over with laughter, and I have my niece and mum-in-law to thank for that. Laughing is therapy too isn’t it? Even the day I fell down the bar stairs whilst waving ‘T’ra’ to the British barmaid.

Beer is king | I’m usually a wine drinker (see photos) so I was particularly looking forward to visiting the 200+ wineries in the region, perhaps not all in one day. But in our final week, we visited a few breweries (shout out to Wild Hop Brewing Company and Beerfarm in Metricup) and I learnt so much! We now have a beer tasting paddle at home, and I’m sampling all the local craft beers in Hebden Bridge instead.

To swim better | I’ve never been a confident swimmer, and on my first holiday to Australia it took me until the final week to jump in the sea or swimming pool. I know, I know. This time round, I did it straight away(ish), and I learnt to swim underwater for a whole length. A whole length holding my breath!

Adventure and wellbeing | Before leaving for Australia, I was worried that I wouldn’t be well enough. If we were going anywhere else, especially some place new, I might have cancelled the trip. But knowing that I was going to see family, in a home and town I already knew made things so much easier for me. A month prior I’d started taking medication for my anxiety and thankfully it began to work for me just before we set off on our travels. It’s good to know I can still do things out of my comfort zone, it’s just about knowing my own limitations. Being in a familiar environment was key to my positive mental health this time round.

Mahjong | I learnt to play Mahjong (I’m no pro) and my MIL has bought the family a set to use back here in the UK. Have you ever played? Great mindful game that’s perfect for brain training exercises too.

Outdoor life is the key to contentment | From sitting on the deck eating breakfast in the morning to feeling the rush of the waves at my feet come dawn. I loved being outdoors. I know weather plays a part here in the UK, but there is still so much to enjoy right here in the UK, in ALL seasons. I’m going to make the most of the summer, even just in our small patio garden and I’m look forward to outdoorsy days in the seasons to come, and in Australia too.

You off on your holidays? Do tell!