4 Ways to Travel Healthier
Are you “one of those people” who always comes back from vacation with a flu or cold? Can you never sleep on hotel beds no matter how comfortable they claim to be? Does it seem like you get back from your trip more stressed and worse for wear compared to when you left? If that’s the case, you’re one of the many travelers who isn’t taking care of their health while discovering new adventures.
You would plan a holiday and leave your travel CPAP machine at home, but caring for your sleep apnea is right on par with not taking care of your subtler health concerns. For example, if you diligently take supplements in your “real life”, don’t forget to pack them in travel-friendly containers for your trip. Here are a few ways to make your next trip healthier and, ultimately, happier:
.
1. Boost your immune system
There are many ways to keep your immune system healthy, so start doing so at least a month before you travel (and keep on with it afterward). One of the most effective and natural ways is to add turmeric to your daily diet. You can do this by sprinkling at least a teaspoon’s worth on your meals throughout the day or take a supplement of 800mg to ensure you’re getting the full benefits. Also get adequate amounts of Vitamin C (check the percentage on your multi-vitamin).
The one food we ALWAYS eat while traveling is yogurt. I don’t know about you, but I have a very sensitive tummy, and making sure to always keep enough good bacteria from yogurt in my system has proven time and time again to be the single best way to keep my body in check when I land in a new place.
2. Stay hydrated
Did you know that, according to Medical Daily, the majority of Americans are dehydrated? This issue becomes exacerbated with long-haul flights where the moisture in the air is even sparser and a lot of people avoiding drinking water in an effort to avoid those cramped bathrooms. Instead, choose an aisle seat if you have a small bladder and fill up on H2O.
3. Always choose hotels with a gym
It’s a great excuse to avoid your workouts when you don’t have a free gym an elevator ride away. Even if it’s “just” 20 minutes on the elliptical each day, it’s better than nothing. In fact, the American Heart Association’s recommendation for weekly exercise is a lot more reasonable than many people think. Pack your lightest gym shoes (or wear them on the plane) and commit to sticking with some type of regime.
4. Pack healthy snacks
Convenience foods usually aren’t the healthiest and many people over indulge on vacation (but not where it counts). Save those splurges for famous food carts, fine dining and other experiences, not raiding the vending machine. While packing a small bag of nuts or a protein bar is simple enough, few people actually take the time to make sure they have a quick, healthy snack while they are traveling and instead just settle for airport meals or convenient store bites to eat – never a good idea. Traveling is way more taxing on our bodies and immune systems so always give your body the best shot to stay healthy so you can enjoy your entire trip!
Traveling healthy can be just as easy as traveling any other way. It just requires a little prep work.
.Jenna is a freelance writer who loves the outdoors, fashion, and relaxing with her family. Follow her on Twitter and LinkedIn.