Keeping Healthy While Traveling

Keeping Healthy While Traveling

by Clarke & Company Benefits Posted on: November 30, 2012Categories: LiveWell 24/7   

The holidays are upon us, and that usually means traveling in one form or another for most of us.

Whether you’re traveling with children, pets, or just trying to stay healthy and sane en route from here to there, here’s some suggestions to keep your body and mind in tip-top shape.

• Start Now. Don’t wait until the day before your plane trip to start planning. Stay on top of your exercise regimes now, eat right now, and your body and mind will be in better shape to handle the transitions, busyness, and unexpected nature of traveling.

• Research. A little bit of research can go a long way. If you’re going somewhere new, Google Map your location and perhaps find a yoga studio nearby or a plan out a safe running route. Knowing what grocery stores or restaurants are available along your route can go a long way to making healthy choices instead of an emergency hamburger.

• Snacks. Make your own trail mix with your favorite raw nuts, raisins, and vegan chocolate chips. Sunflower seeds, almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds – the choices are endless! Protein powder and ablender bottle have saved me countless times. Try a personal favorite, “grown-up chocolate milk.” Coconut or almond milk, chocolate raw protein powder, and a scoop of cacao.

• Pit Stops. A 15-minute stop to stretch your legs and let the kids and dogs out can refresh and reset your body in huge ways. Studies show that taking breaks between prolonged sedentary periods, like sitting, can be just as important for the body as actual exercise.

• Mini Coolers. Or big coolers. Whatever floats your boat (or fits in your car). If you’re not confined to plane restrictions, a small cooler can really expand your food options.

• Maintenance. It’s easy to get out of our healthy routines when we’re staying at different places and don’t have much room or space is limited. Here’s three things that don’t take a lot of space and will keep your body happy.

Tennis shoes. You probably have these with you even if you don’t plan on running. You can even wear them on the plane. Take a morning or evening walk, go for a run, or take the dog and kids for a hike.

Tennis ball. One tennis ball. And it’s not for your dog. It’s for you. For your bottom specifically. Place your shoulder on the tennis ball, roll around until you hit a tight spot or sensitive trigger point, and then let the ball do the work. This is a kind of myofascial release, or “massage to-go,” as I like to call it. This will do wonders for releasing stress in your body, especially if you can’t get out and move like you’re used to or have been sitting for hours. If you’ve got the room to throw in a foam roller, more power to you!

• Sleep. Our sleep schedule is often the first thing to go when traveling. Your own pillow, some lavender oil, and chamomile tea can help relax you for the night and make anyplace feel a little more like home.

• Hydrate. This is especially important if you’re traveling by plane. Drink plenty of water, but stay away from the caffeine and alcohol (at least on the plane).  Don’t worry about having to get up and use the restroom. Your restroom run will double as a stretch for your legs!

For more information pertaining to travel tips, please refer to http://intentblog.com/author/moniqueminahan/ .