There is nothing like being out on the open road and on your way to the next adventure — carefree and up for anything. Whether you are just hopping over to the next city or the other side of the country, being away from home can sometimes put a strain on your health. Traveling is exciting and enjoyable, but it brings along some challenges, and self-care sometimes goes out the window with all of your worries and life’s obligations.
No matter where the journey might take you, prioritize your wellness and keep yourself healthy along your travels so you can return home feeling refreshed and revitalized.
1. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep isn’t usually at the top of a vacation bucket list, and long days and late nights can quickly add up. Rather than waiting until you get a case of travel burnout, set aside a snippet of time to rest. Try taking a quick nap if the schedule is packed, even if you don’t want to miss a single moment. Just laying down for 20-30 minutes can help your body and mind reset.
A good idea is to take a little time out when you get to where you are going and rest before you really get the party started. Starting out with a good night’s sleep will set the tone for the rest of the trip and make you more likely to enjoy every moment. Traveling can be kind of harsh on the body, and getting enough rest will help to keep you healthy (and more relaxed) so that you can have all the fun you can handle!
2. Stretch Every Day
Tension from carrying luggage, sitting in a car or airplane, hiking, or whatever adventures await you can build up in the body if you don’t take the time to let it out somehow. Stretching helps avoid injuries, relieves built-up tightness in the muscles, and has a wonderful relaxing effect. Finding a local yoga class wherever you are visiting would be a great option, but also, taking a few minutes to stretch in your hotel room, on the beach, or at a park could make a huge difference in how you feel. Doing a quick wake-up stretch routine or winding down at the end of the day will help to lighten the load your body is bearing while traveling.
3. Practice Mindfulness
Being on the go is exciting and fun-filled, but it doesn’t leave much time for focused attention or mindfulness. Traveling can put you in demanding situations, and though usually, the fun outweighs any irksome moments, returning to your center can be a powerful tool. Especially if you are traveling with family or a group of friends that can be a bit chaotic, practicing mindfulness keeps you calm and cool along whatever bumpy road you may find yourself on.
Deep breathing exercises or practicing awareness right in the middle of all the flurry can ground your energy and help you act from a place of centeredness and serenity. Meditating first thing in the morning can set your day up just right. Taking little breaks during the day to find a pretty spot to sit and just breathe can change your whole day around, especially if you’re in places that might be crowded with people.
If you find yourself in natural spaces, such as the beach, a park, or a forest, try practicing grounding to help you reconnect with the earth. End the night with an affirmation practice or a body relaxation technique to help you sleep deeply and awaken well rested for the next day’s experiences.
4. Have an Exercise Routine
Of course, most people don’t plan on keeping up their exercise routine while on vacation, but a little physical activity can go a long way to keep you feeling good while traveling. Find something fun, like hiking to a beautiful destination, renting a bike to ride around town, or taking an invigorating swim. Getting your blood pumping can help you retain your energy, help to relieve daily stress, and support the immune system. It might also open you up to incredible experiences you hadn’t planned for your trip.
5. Hydrate
Staying hydrated day in and day out is one of the most important things you can do for your health, whether you’re traveling or not. Every cell in the body needs water, so don’t forget to hydrate while on the go!
Vacation-type activities such as getting more sunshine, sightseeing, and dietary changes, require more fluids to keep things balanced. Bring a refillable water bottle wherever you go, add a little lemon to your water, and eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies to help increase your hydration while away from home.
6. Cut Down on Alcohol and Sweets
Ok, so we aren’t here to tell you that you shouldn’t let loose and have tons of fun while traveling, but practicing a little restraint might help to keep you feeling good for the duration of your trip. All things in moderation, right? Indulging in too many cocktails can put a burden on your immune system and leave you feeling tired and crabby the next day. Sugar can also take its toll, and it’s easy to get carried away with extra desserts and quick breakfasts of donuts, pastries, and the like. Balance it out with something high in protein and healthy fats if possible to counteract any extra sugar you might consume.
7. Use Wet Naps and Hand Sanitizer
Of course, washing your hands is the best strategy to protect yourself from environmental threats, but sometimes that may not be an option. Keeping hand sanitizer readily available gives you the chance to wipe the slate clean, especially when traveling to remote locations. Wet wipes are quick and easy, and there are biodegradable options to choose from. A quick wipe down or squirt of sanitizer before and after meals can go a long way to keep you healthy and defend yourself from anything unwanted that might want to tag along on your road trip.
8. Take Your Vitamins and Supplements
Having some supplements along for the ride can be just the thing to help support wellness along your journey. Focus on vitamins, minerals, and herbs that will support your immune system, maintain relaxation, promote good quality sleep, and keep your energy levels at top-notch. Eating well-balanced, healthy meals while traveling can be a challenge, so a few supplements can help you provide your body with much-needed nutrients.
Packing options such as Live Conscious® Organic Protein is a smart way to ensure you’ve got a good breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up that is simple to prepare and needs no special equipment.
To help you stay in a state of mindfulness, one of our top traveling supplements is ZenWell®. This organic extract of ashwagandha with L-theanine will help promote calm feelings while also helping you maintain healthy energy levels. It’s the perfect combo for travel to keep you feeling upbeat and relaxed on your wild adventures.
We also provide our incredible comprehensive collagen supplement in capsule form to make it easy to nourish your skin, hair, nails, and joints while on the road. Reach for Beyond Collagen Capsules to keep your skin glowing and your beachy hair glistening no matter where the open road might take you.
If you want to take along something that has a little bit of everything, try the Beyond Greens™ blend, which supports immune and digestive health and is great for maintaining energy. With probiotics, herbs, and a mystical mushroom blend, it supports overall health on many levels. It also has a lot of nutrients from the chlorella, so it is a good way to ensure you are getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to keep you feeling great.
Waking Up To Wellness
Whether you are out there trying to find yourself or have already discovered the essence of who you are, traveling brings new perspectives and new experiences. Get in the flow and bring some moxie to your travels by prioritizing a few things that will make a huge difference in how you feel. Taking care of yourself while you are on your trip will ultimately affect how you feel when you return home. Let yourself be open to new horizons while also retaining your strength and well-being. Live Conscious® brings you the support you need to fulfill your life’s purpose, keep you at your best, and make it easier to stay well while trekking across the globe.
