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Your honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to leave the stress of wedding planning behind and take time to reconnect with your mind, body, soul, and new spouse! 

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Don’t miss this chance to rest and recharge. Practicing mindfulness during your trip will remind you to leave the anxiety behind and focus on the here and now. Mindfulness is the act of living in the present, focusing and acknowledging the here and now. When you take time to appreciate each moment, you’ll find yourself enjoying the little things so much more. 

Start your marriage off soaking in every moment with your new spouse with these mindfulness tips. 

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Pack light

Avoid decision fatigue by embracing minimalism when you pack for your honeymoon. Bringing along too much stuff in your suitcase will increase stress when deciding what to wear each day. We recommend packing individual outfits in plastic bags, then labeling the bags so you know when you plan to wear it. You’ll feel less anxiety when you have fewer decisions to make each day of your honeymoon. 

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Unplug 

Stop scrolling, turn off your alerts, and start enjoying the sound of the earth around you! Your honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to completely unplug and start being present. Set your out of office message on your email, and let friends and family know only to text or call in the event of an emergency. You can use a paper map to get around your unknown destination and ask locals for recommendations or if you get lost. Nowadays it is a good idea to have a cell phone on you just in case, but you should keep it in your backpack on silent or powered off. 

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Spend Time in Nature 

Get outside and view nature during your honeymoon. This activity is known to bring positive emotions, which also helps calm your nervous system. Reconnecting with nature alongside a loved one also increases our trust, cooperation, and closeness, so it’s the perfect honeymoon to-do. 

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You and your new spouse should choose a honeymoon destination that allows for some nature viewing, although the level of outdoor adventure you select is completely up to you. Destinations with mountains will have great hikes, trails, and snow sports in the winter, whereas a beach or island destination may offer snorkeling, sunset cruises, waterfalls, watersports, and other adventures. You can even get a breath of fresh air in a city destination–metropolitan honeymoon spots tend to offer urban gardens, rooftop views, parks, and more. 

You and your spouse will feel closer to each other and the earth if you embrace nature throughout your trip. It’ll also give you the opportunity to create great photo memories that you can look at for years to come. 

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Meditate

You can reduce your anxiety and encourage your mind to acknowledge the present moment through meditation. Spend time each day in the morning and evening practicing, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Watch as your perspective of the world around you changes. You can follow a guide, download an app, or simply set an alarm to track your time as you meditate. Look and see if your honeymoon resort or destination offers meditation classes as a fun activity to do with your spouse. 

If you are interested in a meditation practice that also allows for exercise, you can schedule a yoga class with your partner. Heated vinyasa classes will have you sweating, stretching, and spending time at the end of class reflecting, all while connecting your movement to your breath. 

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Book a Spa Appointment

Treat yourself to luxurious activities that also rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit–like a relaxing spa appointment! You and your partner can sign up for couples spa packages that include activities such as massages, mud baths, facials, and more. Research if your resort has a nice spa onsite or if you’d like to take a trip to a nearby spa.

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While spas can come with a hefty price tag, you don’t have to miss out on this chance to unwind with your partner. You can cut down on costs by booking your spa appointment through a honeymoon registry. This allows your wedding guests to pitch in for the cost of activities such as spa appointments. 

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Learn Something New Together 

Switching up your perspective is a great way to enjoy the present moment. Dedicate time on your honeymoon to learning something new with your spouse. Trying new activities has been connected to an increase in relationship quality and passion. Experiment in the kitchen and expand your recipe book with a cooking class! This will also let you taste and make the local cuisine. If cooking isn’t your thing, how about dancing? You can take dancing lessons to learn the rhythm of your honeymoon destination. You can also get outside and learn to sail, scuba, or even identify local marine and plant life as you swim! 

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Bring a Journal  

Writing things down is a great way to reflect–but you’ll want to write everything down while it’s still fresh in your mind. Pack a journal (or buy a keepsake when you arrive) so you can record memories each evening. This reflection can take 10 minutes or less, and it will create memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll always be able to revisit your journal pages to remember the amazing time you and your spouse had on your first newlywed journey together. 

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In your journal reflections, include a section on gratitude for each day. What was your favorite moment? What are you grateful for? What do you miss back at home that you can’t wait to return to? Gratitude helps you sleep better, improves your relationships, and your overall mental health and wellbeing, so don’t skip this step! 

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Taking time throughout your honeymoon to be mindful will allow you to leave stress behind and embrace the moment. You’ll always remember this trip with your spouse, and you’ll return home ready to tackle the biggest journey of all: happily-ever-after! 

References:

Green, Kristophe, and Dacher Keltner. “What Happens When We Reconnect with Nature.” Greater Good, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_happens_when_we_reconnect_with_nature.