How to Insert Self-Care Into Your Flexcation to the Alabama Gulf Coast
This post was written in partnership Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism; however, all information in this post reflects my personal opinion.
Summertime lends itself well to self-care with its sunny skies, warm temperatures, and nice breezes. You don’t have to twist my arm to get me to schedule a summer vacation to the Alabama Gulf Coast for some rest and relaxation! I know that a summer trek to the beautiful beaches of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach will have lasting effects on my overall wellness.
But, wellness and self-care are not seasonal. We need to be just as intentional about our well-being during the winter months and the beach is the perfect place to focus on your self-care. Enter, the Flexcation!
What is a Flexcation?
According to Forbes, a flexcation is a creative way for families to combine work and play. The Flexcation generally occurs later in August, September, and October so that families can get a better value in high-demand locations.
Flexcations were born during the COVID-19 pandemic as a new way for families to get away amidst flexible work and school arrangements. Once families realized how well hybrid work and school schedules lent themselves to traveling, the Flexcation began trending as families spent longer periods in vacation rentals to mix work and play, combatting cabin fever!
How to Insert Self-Care Into Your Flexcation to the Alabama Gulf Coast
So far, I’ve mentioned self-care, the Alabama Gulf Coast, and flexcations. Imagine what you’d get if you combined all three! We already know how fun and relaxing a beach vacation can be, but let’s talk more about how to insert self-care into your flexcation to the beach.
1. Get outside for some fresh air
Being near the Gulf is relaxing. Getting outside while visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is easy due to the beautiful white sand and emerald water views! Fresh air is known to have many health benefits such as improved mood, cleaning your lungs, and helping you refocus.
Get outside and explore Gulf State Park by bike or Segway or hike one of the trails at Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge to take in some fresh air. This is a great way to insert self-care into your flexcation.
2. Exercise
Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your well-being. There are so many benefits of exercising. You don’t have to neglect your exercise routine while you’re on flexcation at the Alabama Gulf Coast. Here are some great places you can check out during your stay:
Moxie Life Fitness Studio
3. Dine at delicious restaurants with breathtaking views
One of the things that I look forward to most on vacation is dining! Eating well is a great way to insert self-care into your flexcation. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have so many delicious options, several that come complete with a breathtaking view! No matter what the temperature is outside, a beautiful view is always appropriate.
Here are some of my favorite waterfront dining options in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach:
The Gulf
This Orange Beach outdoor eating establishment is super cool. I love the flare of this place. I found out that it was made from old shipping containers! The Gulf serves seafood and American fare and they also have a full bar that offers a variety of specialty drinks.
There are several delicious options on the menu, but my favorite was the guacamole served with purple tortilla chips. I love chunky guac and this lived up to my expectations!
In addition to great food, The Gulf offers gulf front seating. The casual yet chic atmosphere was so much fun and perfect for lunch with friends.
LuLu’s
Lulu’s is absolutely one of my favorite places to dine when I’m in the Gulf Shores area.
This fun restaurant is owned by Lucy Buffett and is known for food, family, and fun! We’ve visited the Gulf Shores location several times and have made some great memories there as well as enjoyed some delicious meals.
I love restaurants with waterfront dining and sand, and Lulu’s has both. The restaurant serves excellent seafood (the gumbo is my fave), burgers, salads, and more. Everyone (even picky eaters) is sure to find something they’ll like on the menu.
The live music, activities, and the cool shop, make Lulu’s a vacation in itself!
Playa
Playa is located in Orange Beach at Sportsman Marina. The menu features great local seafood, delicious grilled steaks, and tacos with homemade tortillas. Everyone in our party was able to find something that they loved! And I have to mention the delicious tropical drinks and the attentive servers! We thoroughly enjoyed the casual atmosphere and beautiful waterfront view. This restaurant is definitely on my “must return” list!
Some other dining options with a view include Cobalt, Tacky Jacks, Sea-N-Suds, Island Pancake House, and Acme Oyster House. There are so many other great options for waterfront dining while on flexcation at the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Click here for more waterfront options in the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach area.
4. Get some vitamin D
If your flexcation spans several days, you’ll have ample time to get out and enjoy some sunshine. The sun is a great source of vitamin D, which has several positive health benefits. Grab your laptop and notebook (and a jacket if it’s chilly) and do some work outside. Even short bursts in the sun can be beneficial for soaking up some vitamin D and is a great way to insert self-care into your flexcation.
5. Relax in a comfortable room
With more than 18,000 vacation rental units and hotel rooms along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, you’re sure to find one that has all the luxuries of home.
I’ve traveled to the Alabama Gulf Coast several times and I can attest to the fact that there are some top-notch properties available in the area that are equipped with everything to make you feel right at home.
Take some time exploring options in the area so that you can find the perfect place to relax and get some much needed rest and self-care.
6. Spend uninterrupted time with the ones you love
My final tip for how to insert self-care into your flexcation is to spend some uninterrupted time with the ones you love. Even though everyone may have to commit to fulfilling their work and school obligations, a beach flexcation is the perfect opportunity for you to spend some quality time with your family. It’s easier than ever to schedule time for a walk or other activity while taking a break from work and school.
