How to Stay Healthy While Traveling: Tips and Tricks
Going to your dream destination goes hand in hand with getting out of your normal day to day routine. From train delays and flight delays to having troubles to jumping time zones, seeing the world isn't all rainbows and butterflies. If you want to stay healthy while going to your dream destination, these tips will help you stay healthy when you're on the road!
Drink water every now and then.
Even the simplest cases of dehydration can cause unpleasantries and dangerous complications. Not drinking enough water can affect blood pressure, body temperature, energy levels, heart rate, cramps, headaches, and more. Whichever country you plan to visit, start and conclude each day by drinking a glass of water and finish each drinking session with a glass of water.
Bask in the sun.
Basking in the sun early in the morning during and after travel can go a long way and it can even help you manage your jet lag quickly. Being exposed in sunlight triggers your brain to send waves your body that it's morning and it's time to be active and awake. It is advisable to get out into the sun within an hour of waking up but make sure to do it on or before 7am to get all the healthy UV rays.
Exposure to sunlight can also help your body reset its circadian rhythm—the mental, physical, and behavioral changes your body experiences in 24 hours. This exposure can help you feel energized during daytime and it can boost melatonin production in your body which signals when it's time to sleep 12 hours after.
Bring snacks with high fiber.
When packing, make sure to grab high-fiber snacks and include them in your packing list. This step is important as snack options can be limited even though there are convenience stores and gas stations around the vicinity. High-fiber dried plums are highly suggested by experts as they can contribute to relieving constipation, and they can even be more effective than fiber powders. These types of snacks are also luggage/bag-friendly because they're shelf-stable and they don't take up a lot of space.
Make adjustments to your sleep schedule.
It's easy to fall into the trap of a cozy bed at your destination, but it's always advisable to sleep according to your typical schedule. Maintaining day to day routines, like meditating or reading first thing in the morning or right before sleep can also help. Doing the same routine or even eating meals and snacks at the same times as you typically do can help your body adjust to a new time zone, too.
Invest in a pair of compression socks.
You know that feeling when you get off a long flight, and your legs are achy, swollen, and just plain uncomfortable? That's because being stuck in a cramped seat for hours on end can really mess with your circulation. Compression socks are like a superhero cape for your legs, giving them the extra squeeze they need to keep blood flowing properly.
During long hours of travel, experts suggest wearing knee-high compression socks. These tight socks can help decrease the risk of blood clots and leg swelling, which is highly likely to happen if you do not move for a long period of time.
Be active when you have the opportunity.
When traveling by car, bus, plane leaves only few options for steps or activity. So, in between stops, make the most of your time to sneak in some movements and even steps. Taking every opportunity to move and be active during travel is also significantly helpful especially when trying to adjust to time zone change—don't just sulk when waiting at the boarding gate, even pacing back and forth while reading book can go a long way.
Once you're at your dream destination, find ways to integrate physical activity every day of your trip. It doesn't necessarily mean to spend hours of your vacation time in a local gym (unless that makes you feel good—go for it!). You can start by simply waking up 10 minutes earlier to do a quick bodyweight workout in your hotel room or finding a local trail to jog or hike.
Don’t Let Travel Derail Your Health Goals!
Staying healthy while traveling all boils down to being prepared and making conscious decisions. It's about striking that delicate balance between indulging in new experiences and maintaining your usual wellness routine as much as possible.
These tips will help you feel energized and avoid that dreaded burnout during travel. Of course, part of the fun of traveling is getting a little loose with your diet and schedule. So don't beat yourself up if you stray a little away from your healthy habits every now and then. The key is getting right back on track and enjoying every moment of your dream adventure while being positive and healthy.
