Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

I'm so excited because I’m on an amazing trip to Athens and Croatia, complete with food tours, hiking adventures, and a weeklong culinary retreat.

Yes, it’s going to be fabulous.
Yes, I’ll still be supporting my clients while I travel.
And no, I’m not superhuman.
I’ve just built systems that make this kind of lifestyle possible.

Systems Make Space for the Life You Want

You might not think of your day-to-day routines as “systems,” but when you look closely, they’re everywhere. And once you build intentional systems, you can duplicate them across your life and business.

Here are a few systems I’m using to make this trip feel anxiety-free, fun, and soul-nourishing while still staying aligned with all of my goals.

1. Calendar System

At home, I use my calendar to track:

• Client sessions

• Work blocks for creative time (mid-afternoon for me)

• Workout time (mornings for bigger workouts and late afternoons for walks)

• Downtime (leisurely walks, reading, brain rest)

When I travel, I do the same:

• I’ve scheduled client sessions, I’ll still be holding

• Booked food + walking tours that are on the calendar

• Hotel and transport details are fully added

• Creative time is built in because inspiration always strikes on vacation
   

🗓️ Your calendar is a system. Use it to hold both structure and flexibility.

2. Packing System

Here’s what I’ve packed (on purpose!):

• Layers for varying temps

• Umbrella + hiking shoes for active days and unpredictable weather

• Bathing suit + dresses for dinner

• Snacks for flights and long walks

• Supplements I don’t want to have to buy locally 

• Carry-on essentials in case luggage gets delayed (yes, this has happened)
   

My carry-on always includes:

• Clothing for 2 days

• Anything I can’t replace easily (meds, bathing suit, nice outfit)

• A pouch for my passport and ID that never leaves my body

• A zippered bag for my phone to avoid pickpocketing (yes, that’s happened too)
   

🎒 Your packing is a system. Build it intentionally so you can focus on enjoying the experience.

3. Business + Joy Integration

I don’t completely unplug while I travel.
Instead, I blend rest and work in a way that supports both:

• I’ve scheduled downtime and business check-ins

• I’ve planned walking tours (not bus tours!) to stay active

• I’ve booked a full culinary retreat with cooking classes, wine tastings, and market visits because that lights me up

• And I’ve designed the trip to include solo time, exploration, and joy
   

💡 When your systems are aligned, they help you live a life you love without giving up what brings you joy.

Whether you’re heading out of town or just trying to balance your day-to-day, remember: Systems are freedom.

Build them once, and they’ll serve you everywhere in your body, your brain, your business, and your travels.