Calm and Wellbeing on the Road

How motorhome life changed my relationship with rest and me-time…

Before motorhome life, rest always felt like it had to be earned. Something I justified myself to have, only after being busy enough, productive enough, or switched on enough. Even on holidays, time to just chill came with an agenda – bookings, schedules, plans to really “make the most of it.” Living on the road quietly dismantled that mindset. In a motorhome, putting my wellbeing first, stopped being a reward and started becoming the rhythm of life itself.

This is how I practice bringing some serenity into my life on a daily basis, when my home moves with me…

Rest Looks Different When Your View Changes

One of the most unexpected shifts has been how deeply location affects my nervous system. Waking up with a view of trees and mountains, the ocean or parked up by a lake does something no app or routine ever managed to do. The stillness outside seeps in. There’s less noise, fewer visual demands and a sense that nothing is urgently required of me. I can take a deep breath and think about what I want to do each day.

Yoga, Stillness and a Zen Mindset on the Road

Yoga on the road isn’t about perfect flows or long sessions in a fancy studio. I enjoy a gentler and more intuitive solo practice. Sometimes it’s ten minutes on a mat placed just outside my motorhome door, facing whatever view I’ve parked beside that day in the fresh early morning air. Other times, it’s about finding a quiet spot later on at the nearest beach, barefoot with the seagulls overhead providing the soundtrack.

This PAIDU extra thick yoga mat which might be a bit bulkier in my van storage-wise, but provides better comfort on the varied surfaces I find myself enjoying – from grass, to concrete, to beach sand.

Crystals, Energy and Creating a Calm Space

And while I’m sharing my favourite “zen” things, I must mention my crystals that have found their way into my motorhome almost instinctively. In such a compact space, energy feels amplified – for better or worse. Having a few carefully chosen pieces creates a sense of grounding and intention. Whether it’s clear quartz catching the light on a living area counter, or amethyst tucked near where I sleep, they act as gentle reminders to slow down and stay connected.

Even if you’re not deeply spiritual, there’s something comforting about surrounding yourself with objects that carry meaning. In a moving home, those small anchors matter – a photograph stuck up on the wall, a plant secured down on a counter, or your favourite scent in your bathroom or living area.

These starter crystal sets are an ideal gift to yourself, with various key crystals that can be safely stored in the beautiful wooden box. And I love adding to my collection as I drive around and find a crystal that “speaks to me” on my travels as special memories of wonderful places I’ve seen, bringing the right energies into my home on wheels. And don’t forget Black Tourmaline to keep those negative forces out.

Seeing the World Through My Canon DSLR

My Canon DSLR became more than a camera – it became a way of noticing. When you live on the road, beauty isn’t something you visit; it’s something you encounter daily if you pay attention. Early morning light through the mist in a French mountainside, quiet paths along the Spainish coast, or unexpected wildlife moments in Portugal forest – the camera encourages stillness and observation.

Pair that with slow walks and bird watching and wellbeing starts to feel woven into everyday life. Watching birds go about their routines is oddly grounding. There’s no rush, no performance – just presence.

The Joy of Photography While Living in a Motorhome

Photography has become one of the quiet joys of motorhome life. When you’re not rushing from place to place, you start to notice light differently – how it changes throughout the day, how mist lifts from fields in the morning, how golden hour feels more like an invitation than a deadline. Travelling in a motorhome means you can wait for the moment instead of chasing it. If the light isn’t right, you make another coffee and stay put. If a view stops you in your tracks, it’s easy to park up and explore it properly. Photography becomes less about capturing highlights and more about documenting a feeling – the calm, the stillness, the fleeting beauty of everyday life on the road.

Photography Essentials for Motorhome Travel

A reliable digital camera is foundational. My Canon EOS 70D is a constant companion and something I’ve learnt very well and can trust in changing light and weather conditions.

I’m personally a fan of Canon, but of course there are many other cameras to choose from. For me, it’s less about brand loyalty and more about how a camera feels in your hands when you’re taking photos on the go and having the ease and muscle memory of the cameras buttons and functionalities. These are just my faves.

Pair it with one or two versatile lenses rather than a full kit, a good all-round lens and a lightweight zoom will cover most situations without clutter.

A compact tripod is invaluable for low light, landscapes and those quiet early mornings when the world feels still. Add spare batteries and memory cards, ideally stored in a small, dedicated case so they’re always easy to find.

Much needed is a comfortable camera strap or bag which makes long walks and bird watching more enjoyable, and a protective camera bag helps keep equipment safe while on the move.

Like everything in motorhome life, photography becomes less about having everything and more about having what matters.

Reading, e-books and the Luxury of Quiet Time

And speaking of gadgets in my motorhome, reading has returned to my life in a way it hadn’t for years. E-books make it easy – no clutter from too many books, no heavy overloaded motorhome shelves – just stories and quiet moments waiting to be dived into. Afternoons with a book and a view (whether I’m sitting on a camping chair outside the van, or tucked up in my tiny cozy bed – no judgement please!) feel indulgent in the best possible way.

Wellbeing as a Way of Living, Not a Checklist

Motorhome life taught me that wellbeing isn’t about doing more for yourself – it’s about removing what exhausts you. Fewer commitments. Fewer possessions. Less noise. In return, you gain time, space and the freedom to listen to what your body actually needs.

Some days that’s movement. Other days it’s stillness. And sometimes, it’s simply doing nothing at all and letting that be enough.

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