Originally published in 2020, this article has been updated and rewritten by the author in March 2024.
Kos Island, Greece.
This article is particularly important to me as it could be the beginning of a new chapter in your dance career. Are you living your life to the fullest? Our Art is vital to us, but our well-being is as important, if not more!
Are you feeling like you are constantly working? Training?
Are you taking a holiday sometime? Ask these questions to yourself. Be honest. If the answer is 2, YES, and 1 NO, this article will help you.
Like many of you working in the entertainment industry, I always made myself available for THE job, including summer. I spent nearly 17 years as a professional dancer and didn't go on holiday that often—I was always too busy! For me, a regular dance season used to run from September to next September! I used to consider myself available for work in the summer, too.
Total nonsense!
That is what we are taught as professional dancers and performers. Somehow, we know that we must constantly stay ready; therefore, we are always working. Our only plan is to book the next job; this is a priority, the number 1 rule. Is that right? Indeed, we need to stay active, but being active 365 days a year wouldn't make dancers workaholics? Probably! We don't even realize it. We can't. I even heard someone recently, a dancer/actor based in London: "I'm working so hard it feels like I'm just surviving."
This is not entirely wrong if you never take some time off from work!
It is not about a holiday; it's deeper than that. I'm all for hard work; however, you can't go on like that forever. Recharge your battery!...
Sometimes, you must stop to rest your body and your mind. Relax, slow down, and appreciate the beautiful world we are living in.
And what if the problem wasn't your schedule but your mindset? If you want a real break or a holiday, perhaps all you need to do is make yourself available for that. To create something in your life, you must make room for it. Please don't blame it on your schedule or your financial situation for not taking a holiday; the real reason might be the way you think.
Give it a try. Do you want a holiday next summer? Think about it now, have this plan in your mind and work through it and for it. Allowing something to exist in your brain will make it a reality. Don't ask yourself how; have the result in mind, and magically, your world will change, and you will create this new habit in your life.
So from now on, the season starts in September, but it ends when convenient for you. You must know the end date; otherwise, you will keep going on again and again! Tell yourself that you are dancing until that period, then get some well-deserved rest.
Without an actual holiday in your mind, it won't happen. Trust the process, and see yourself in the place of your dreams.
"The Mental health benefits of holidays...
They help reduce stress, increase creativity and productivity, and fight colds and infections.
It's not surprising that holidays help us de-stress because we do things that give us pleasure and distract our minds. Travel provides a much-needed break from hectic lifestyles, which, in turn, helps us feel less stressed."
Kiri Nowak.
Now, let's focus on making your Holiday Dream a reality.
How to finance your trip?
Start preparing your holiday as early as possible, even in August, for next August, why not? The more time you have, the better your holiday will be. Start planning the trip when you've decided about the destination of your dreams and its cost. Save every month for your holiday as long as you need to, and when you are ready, book it. It is not difficult; you can go whenever you want, you need to decide!
Follow the "CCCD rule" that's all you need:
Clear Goal
+ Cost
+ Create a solid financial plan
+ Deadline
= Book your dream holiday.
Apply this rule to anything in your life!
Allocate a specific savings account to save money towards this goal, define the right amount to set aside every month, and see how great it works!
How to free yourself from "What if"
Make sure you know the departure date; it must be clear. You can go for 1, 2 or 3 weeks and even longer if you wish! Then book your holiday when ready, following the CCCD method I mentioned above. You are not available during that period, and that's it. Nothing will come between you and your break.
You made the right decision and won't miss out on anything. You will work around it all year long, and you will be very busy BEFORE and AFTER your holiday. And if something comes up, your vacation is already booked, so this job wasn't for you. It wasn't meant to be.
Learn to rest and, most importantly, travel! Please do. Trust me. I made that mistake for so many years.
You deserve it!
How do you choose the perfect destination?
Enjoy your holiday and support the economy at the same time!
I wanted to stay in Europe, but I am not a big fan of the 10/15-hour flights, and Greece is just 4 hours away from the UK. It was perfect! Like Portugal and Spain, Greece is the font-runner of countries dependent on tourism in Europe with its 6000 islands. In 2018, tourism accounted for as much as 20.6 per cent of the country's GDP! I met many lovely people in Kos, many in their 20s, and they confirmed how tourism is vital to them. Do not underestimate your impact on people's lives. It might just be a holiday for you, but you will genuinely support the country you are going to.
How do you pick suitable accommodation?
I have to be very honest; I'd choose a hotel over Airbnb over the summer for one simple reason: if I have to keep cooking, grocery shopping, and cleaning, this does not feel like a holiday to me!... However, renting a lovely house is an excellent option if you go to Kos with friends! If you apply this financial plan above to purchase your holiday as a group, you can afford anything you want and drastically reduce costs! Also, the good thing about Greece is the price. You can get very nice deals at Gorgeous Hotels.
When booking a hotel, there are two things to consider: Family or adult-only? It is entirely up to you. If you want a quiet and romantic holiday, perhaps an adult-only resort is the best option. However, I witnessed a fascinating phenomenon in family resorts: People are more friendly! Children tend to relax in the atmosphere, and their presence creates more interactions between adults.
How do you survive the usual all-you-can-eat buffet?!
I ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner the first three days and then quit. We are eating way too much, it is so rich and full-on, after three days I couldn't cope with the amount of food anymore, I even felt unwell. No problem. I cut one meal off. After my workout, I had a big brunch and, in the evening, a nice dinner. And guess what? I felt so much better and enjoyed my food so much more! You might be on holiday, but don't overeat either! Stick to your healthy lifestyle.
How do you apply The Deal* on holiday?
Easy. A holiday is part of "Other Celebration." You are treating yourself to a lovely holiday; therefore, it's a celebration! You can have a cheat meal, including dessert, twice a week. I also enjoy excellent Greek wines, perhaps three or four glasses a week, which is more than enough for me.
*Read our previous article to learn more about "The Deal. " Free yourself from your biggest addiction: Sugar!
What if you want to keep training over the summer?
I can't blame you for that; it's a pleasure to train in the summer. As dancers and performers, our fitness is essential. I will share my simple daily routine, allowing you to be on holiday, rest your body, and maintain great shape despite the everyday restaurants and alcohol! These are straightforward steps, are not time-consuming, and will require only 30/35 min per day. Our Online Classes is the perfect tool:
For a two-week holiday
Week 1
| Monday | HIIT and Core Workout | 25 min + 5 min stretching |
| Wednesday | Jogging | 30 min + 5 min stretching |
| Friday | Horton Warm Up | 30 min + Deep Lunges |
| Sunday | Jogging | 30 min + 5 min stretching |
Week 2
| Tuesday | HIIT and Core Workout | 25 min + 5 min stretching |
| Wednesday | Jogging | 30 min + 5 min stretching |
| Friday | Horton Warm Up | 30 min + Deep Lunges |
| Saturday | HIIT and Core Workout | 25 min + 5 min stretching |
You do not need to start working out on your first day. Arrive safely at your dream destination, perhaps visit for one or two days, and find the perfect spot for your workout.
Prioritizing outdoor training is motivating; pleasant weather will be the perfect ally! For instance, I trained at the beach for Horton and HIIT and jogged in the resort gardens. It is imperative to stick to a 30/40 min workout only; this is a holiday workout! Follow this rule, and you will truly enjoy your time; training will be a pleasure under this beautiful sun.
I like to do my workout first thing in the morning, right after my meditation (at the beach, too! This is magical!). After a good workout, I go straight into the ocean to purify my body, followed by 15 minutes of sunbathing. Then I have a good breakfast—the perfect cocktail to start your day!
This is the benefit of a gentle daily workout over the summer. Eat, drink, and stay in good shape, completely Guilt Free!
Travel and feel this new energy through your veins!
Where to start? Do you need inspiration? I have the perfect destination for you!
Kos Island
Due to its southern location, Kos is consistently one of the hottest Greek islands.
It's a gorgeous island, nice and not crowded. The weather is incredible in summer, between 32 and 34 degrees every day! It's the perfect location for a two-week holiday. Greek cuisine is delicious, and people are friendly.
Kos Island is a must-see. I LOVED IT!
Paradise Beach
Asklepion
Neratzia Castle
Cavo Paradiso
Zia Village
Plaka Forest
Thermal Hot Springs
Kos Town
Mastichari Beach
Want to see more?
Discover Kos
Are you driving? Rent a car for only 30 euros a day and discover the island's secrets! Kos is small; in 3 or 4 hours, you can see the entire island. However, if you want to stop and visit each popular location, you will need 1 to 3 days. Rent a car and visit the island with your friends, it is incredible and so beautiful! Also, Kos is a very safe place to travel. Tourists are unlikely to experience any crime or violence. It is so peaceful.
And an important one.
Kos Cuisine
"One of the undeniable cultural qualities of any given place is its cuisine. Kos Island is home to a rich gastronomic tradition following Greek and Mediterranean routes. Despite its status as a cosmopolitan destination, Kos Island has managed to preserve a distinct and true to its beginnings gastronomic identity. Many of the local treats are prepared in connection with religious celebrations. At the same time, the island's fertile soil and favourable climate have given birth to many peculiar products and unique varieties of wine."
Kos Island Tourist Office.
10 places you need to eat in Kos!
Sunset Balcony Taverna
Tam Tam Beach
Cuvée Restaurant
H20
Elia
Oromedon
Lofaki Bar Restaurant
Petrino
Broadway
Aegli
You are now ready for your next Holiday!
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
Maya Angelou.
Thank you for reading; please share with your friends and family!
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How to stay motivated? The Art of Visualisation!
Free yourself from your biggest addiction: Sugar!
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